Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

What environmental issue is most associated with the use of CFCs?

1. Water scarcity

2. Ozone layer depletion

3. Climate change

4. Air quality

The correct answer is: Ozone layer depletion

The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is most prominently associated with ozone layer depletion. CFCs are chemical compounds that, when released into the atmosphere, eventually rise to the stratosphere. There, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that react with ozone (O3) molecules. This reaction leads to the destruction of ozone, which is critical for absorbing and blocking harmful UV radiation from the sun. Ozone in the stratosphere plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth from excessive UV radiation, which can lead to increased rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as adverse effects on ecosystems. The significant impact of CFCs on ozone depletion led to international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to phase out the use of these harmful substances. While other options like climate change and air quality are important environmental issues, they are not directly linked to the use of CFCs in the same way ozone layer depletion is.