Question

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are widely used as refrigerants. Then why it is suggested to reduce their emission. Explain.

Answer 1

CFCs is a common name of some substances that are similar in chemical nature. These are the derivatives of hydrocarbons. It is an odourless, colorless, inactive, and cheap material. This is a stable substance that after emission can exist in the environment for many years. CFC particles are suspended in the environment. These are used commercially as refrigerants or cooling agents.

Complete answer:
CFC particles are used widely as refrigerants, foam, aerosol, and cleaning agents. Because these are stable and inactive molecules. The environment level of these CFC particles is 700ppbv and also it is increasing at the rate of 5% per year.
CFC causes a greenhouse effect. It was observed around 1960. Radiations of the sun coming on the earth’s surface are trapped by these molecules. Due to this radiations can not reflect and the temperature of the earth’s surface is increasing. This is called the greenhouse effect. So it is important to reduce their emission.
Increases in temperature create harmful effects in the environment and all organisms. Because temperature is directly affecting the physical factors. In 1974 an American scientist Roland told that CFC is responsible for depletion in ozone. These particles are lightweight and reach the stratosphere. In presence of UV rays, these are able to produce free chlorine and fluorine radicals. And these radicals react with $O_3$ molecules and break them. A free chlorine molecule can break 10000 molecules of Ozone. The ozone layer protects us from harmful radiation and due to the depletion of this layer we are facing many problems like the chances of skin cancer are increasing.

Note: CFCs are the third important substance responsible for causing the greenhouse effect. Methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor molecules are also included in greenhouse gases. Chlorofluorocarbon compounds cause negative effects in the environment like the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and air pollution.