Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Get ready for the EPA MVAC Certification exam with our study materials covering flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the estimated lifetime range of CFCs in years?

  1. 5 to 10

  2. 10 to 20

  3. 20 to 100

  4. 100 to 200

The correct answer is: 20 to 100

The estimated lifetime range of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere is indeed between 20 to 100 years. This longevity is due to their stability and resistance to breakdown in the lower atmosphere. When CFCs are released, they can persist for decades, which allows them to accumulate and eventually reach the stratosphere, where they contribute to ozone depletion. Their long atmospheric lifetime means that even small amounts can have significant, long-term environmental effects. This property is crucial in understanding the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer and the reasons behind international agreements like the Montreal Protocol aimed at phasing out their use.