Question

The common refrigerant chlorofluoromethane (freon) and NOx is a serious pollutant because
A. It destroys haemoglobin
B. It disrupts the ozone layer
C. It lowers the atmospheric temperature
D. It prevents cloud condensation

Answer 1

A pollutant is an environmentally introduced material or substances that have undesired effects. The common refrigerant chlorofluoromethane (freon) and NOx is a serious pollutant because it destroys the protective layer of the atmosphere.

Complete answer: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) include chlorodifluoromethane or difluoromonochloromethane, better known as HCFC-22, or R-22, or CHClF. It is a colourless gas that is used as a propellant and refrigerant. Due to the ozone depletion potential (ODP) and high global warming potential (GWP) of the drug, these gases are being phased out in developed countries, although the global use of R-22 continues to grow due to high demand in developing countries. Nitrogen Oxides are a class of highly reactive, toxic gases. When fuel is burned at high temperatures, these gases form. In addition to industrial sources such as power plants, industrial boilers, cement kilns and generators, NOx emissions are generated by cars, trucks and various non-road vehicles (e.g. construction machinery, vessels, etc.). NOx appears as brownish colour gases. The common refrigerant chlorofluoromethane (freon) and NOx is a serious pollutant because it disrupts the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Owing to the enhancement of ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the equilibrium has been broken. In the lower part of the atmosphere, discharged CFCs pass upward and enter the stratosphere. UV rays in the stratosphere act on them, releasing atoms of chlorine. Chlorine then degrades the molecular oxygen-releasing ozone. Chlorine atoms in the reaction are not absorbed. Therefore, they have lasting and on-going impacts on the ozone layer regardless of what CFCs are applied to the stratosphere.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Pollution refers to the addition of hazardous environmental components that adversely affect the nature of the atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiation is a highly energetic radiation that can induce mutagenic changes that are harmful. There is an ozone layer in the atmosphere that prevents toxic ultraviolet radiation and protects us from a variety of chronic diseases. There should be a compromise between stratospheric ozone production and degradation.