Chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants atmospheric effects

Ozone (O3) exists in the atmosphere, 20-40 km above sea level. Ozone absorbs UV radiation which would otherwise harm living things. The effects of ozone loss could include increased human cataracts and skin cancer, reduction of plankton in ocean waters and destruction of plants, including crops. Ozone layer destruction in the Antarctic was reported in 1985 a major cause of this was believed to be the release of chlorofluorocarbon compounds, such as CCI2F2 (CFCs). These compounds are chemically unreactive, non-toxic and odourless, properties which at one time caused them to be used as solvents, aerosol propellants, refrigerant fluids and blowing agents for expanded plastic foams. They are so stable, however, that they persist in the atmosphere for years and eventually enter its upper layers, where they are broken down by the powerful UV radiation emitted by the sun. Their decomposition products can then destroy ozone ... 

Air pollution is caused by the domestic and industrial burning of carbonaceous fuels, by industrial processes, and by car exhausts. Among recent problems are industrial emissions of sulfur(IV) oxide causing acid rain, and the release into the atmosphere of chlorofluorocarbons, used in refrigeration, aerosols, etc., has been linked to the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere. Carbon dioxide, produced by burning fuel and by car exhausts, is slowly building up in the atmosphere, which could result in an overall increase in the temperature of the atmosphere (greenhouse effect). Car exhausts also contain carbon monoxide and lead. The former has... 

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