klorofluorosüsinikke

Klorofluorosüsinikke, more commonly known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are a class of organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They were widely used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, and blowing agents in the production of foam products due to their chemical stability, non-toxicity, and low flammability. However, their environmental impact became a significant concern.

The primary issue with CFCs is their depletion of the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the stratosphere where ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules, which are crucial for absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The thinning of the ozone layer leads to increased rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to ecosystems.

Due to their detrimental effects on the ozone layer, the production and use of CFCs have been phased out under international agreements, most notably the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This protocol, signed in 1987, has been remarkably successful in reducing global CFC emissions. While historical CFCs still persist in the atmosphere, their concentration is declining, and the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery. Alternative compounds, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), have largely replaced CFCs in many applications, though some of these alternatives also have greenhouse gas properties that are being addressed.