What is the Ozone layer?

Ozone is a molecule made up of three Oxygen (O₃). It is found naturally miles above the earth's surface in a layer of the atmosphere called the Stratosphere. This layer of Ozone protects life on earth from the harmful UV Radiation emitted from the sun.

Chlorofluorocarbons (Commonly known as CFC's):

CFC's are man made chemicals used in certain industrial processes, air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators, solvents, foams, and preveously in aerosol cans. CFC's contain Chlorine, which, when is released into the atmosphere, react with O₃ (Ozone) and break apart the Oxygen molecule. The breaking up of Oxygen molecules (O₃ or Ozone) is in turn breaking up the Ozone layer. The Chlorine is not affected by this reaction, and can and will continue on to break apart more O₃'s. The Chlorine (Cl₂) molecule actually breaks apart the O₃ molecule leaving an O₂ molecule. The O₂ is not sufficiant enough for the ozone and is rendered useless. Meanwhile, the Cl₂ is off to break apart more Ozone molecules. CFC's are one of the main causes of Ozone depletion.

Halons:

Halon is an ozone depleting gas even more dangerous than CFC's. They contain Bromine, which is even more corrosive to the Ozone layer than Chlorine. Since Halons are so dangerous to the atmosphere, they are only allowed in existing fire extinction plants, and refillment is prohibited.

Other Ozone depleting chemicals

- Carbotetrachloride
- Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFL's)
- Methyl Chlorofoam
- Methyl Bromide
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's)