Table of Contents
Do fluorocarbons affect the ozone layer?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun.
Which layer of the atmosphere receives the most damage by the chlorofluorocarbons?
The ozone layer, our Earth’s sunscreen, absorbs about 98 percent of this devastating UV light. The ozone layer is getting thinner. Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a reason we have a thinning ozone layer.
In which layer of the atmosphere is ozone harmful?
troposphere
In the troposphere, near the Earth’s surface, human activities lead to ozone concentrations several times higher than the natural background level. Too much of this ground-level ozone is ‘bad’ as it is harmful to breathe and also damages vegetation.
What layer has most ozone?
the stratosphere
Most atmospheric ozone is concentrated in a layer in the stratosphere, about 9 to 18 miles (15 to 30 km) above the Earth’s surface (see the figure below). Ozone is a molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. At any given time, ozone molecules are constantly formed and destroyed in the stratosphere.
Are fluorocarbons ozone depleting?
There are many types of fluorocarbons; the first type was CFCs, followed by HCFCs and then HFCs. However, Freons are a cause of climate change and ozone layer depletion!! of ozone above the Antarctic is so serious that in September – October each year the ozone density decreases drastically.
Where are fluorocarbons used?
Fluorocarbons are fluorinated carbon chain polymers that are used in an assortment of household and commercial products as waterproofing agents, lubricants, sealants, and leather conditioners.
Why is ozone higher in rural areas?
“Ozone levels tend to be higher in rural areas where there are less local emissions of nitrogen dioxides to destroy any ozone that has formed in the atmosphere.”
Where is the bad ozone layer located?
“Bad” ozone is found in the troposphere, the layer nearest the ground. Tropospheric ozone is a harmful pollutant which forms when sunlight alters various chemicals emitted by humans. “Good” ozone forms in the stratosphere, the next higher layer where some jet planes fly.
What are the effects of fluorocarbons in the air?
Known fluorocarbon effects include skin irritation, with dryness, cracking, reddening and rash formation. If fluorocarbon gases are present in the air at concentrations above a certain level, the throat, nose and eyes may also become irritated.
What kind of compounds are found in fluorocarbons?
These compounds, which are really fluorocarbon derivatives, include hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs, which contain hydrogen and chlorine, and chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which contain chlorine.
Why are hydrofluorocarbons used instead of CFCs?
Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which contain hydrogen, were developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs in refrigerating and air-conditioning systems and fire-extinguishing foams. CFCs and HCFCs have the disadvantage that they cause damage to the ozone layer.