What does your old air conditioner, freezer, refrigerator and older car all have in common? They all contain a chemical compound called chlorofluorocarbons or CFC’s, a substance that adversely reacts with the ozone layer in the atmosphere. This substance is so harmful that special equipment and strict regulations were designed to protect the population of the entire planet.Ozone Protection
As you may know, the ozone layer in the stratosphere creates a protective shield from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, particularly ultraviolet-B rays. Without this protection, a massive amount of UVB light can penetrate the atmosphere. Most experts agree that high exposure to UVB light can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and adverse changes to the immune system.
To protect the population from negative health effects the preservation of stratospheric ozone is paramount. Studying the ozone started in 1956 with measurements from the ground. In the 1970s, satellite measurements increased our understanding of the ozone. These scientific studies showed that portions of the ozone layer, particularly in the Antarctic region, are gradually thinning out with every passing year.
CFCs Effect on the Ozone Layer
In 1974, studies began to show the effects of chemicals on the ozone layer. It was discovered that a particularly hazardous chemical, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), was creating damage to the ozone at an extremely fast rate. CFCs were commonly used as aerosol propellants in sprays and refrigerants in appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. However, when chemicals, like CFCs, were released into the air, they would often reach the stratosphere and catalytically breakdown the ozone. These chemicals started eating away at the ozone, like wearing out an old sweater until holes formed. Due to these research findings, in 1978, the use of CFCs as aerosol propellants, such as in hairsprays and deodorants, was banned in the US.
As scientists continued to study the ozone layer and the negative effects of chemicals on it, ozone holes were discovered. Above Antarctica and the South Pole as well as above the northern United States up to the North large holes have been appearing.
What Has Been Done to Limit CFCs
The diminished ozone protection creating greater UVB exposure allowed for a greater possibility of increased health incidents. This issue was not just a national problem, but a global one. 93 nations agreed to start a phase-out process to stop producing and using ozone-destroying substances. The international community set a unified objective of reducing CFCs by at least 50% by the year 1999.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 laid out a schedule to end the US production of these harmful chemicals. Additional CFCs uses, such as in solvents, foaming agents in plastics, and any remaining aerosol sprays, were given a production end date of 1996.
The largest source of ozone-depleting chemicals goes to CFC from air conditioners in cars. Special equipment has been designed for auto service shops to recycle the CFCs and prevent them from being released in the air. This service has been regulated since the end of 1993. Refrigerator servicing and disposal also followed similar guidelines regarding the CFCs used in refrigerants. The EPA also established a CFC certification program to test the refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment used by manufacturers and importers.
What Lies Ahead
As chemicals, such as CFCs, are banned, chemical reformulation is needed to create substitutes to continue the production of the products. So we don’t merely replace one harmful chemical with another, the EPA continues to conduct tests on replacements to ensure their safety on heath and the environment.
