Which type of refrigerants are most harmful to the ozone layer?

Prepare for the SkillCat EPA Type 2 Test with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready to pass your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which type of refrigerants are most harmful to the ozone layer?

Explanation:
Chlorinated refrigerants are the most harmful to the ozone layer. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, ultraviolet light breaks them apart and releases chlorine atoms. Those chlorine atoms act as catalysts in reactions that destroy ozone molecules, and they can do this repeatedly; one chlorine atom can break apart thousands of ozone molecules before it’s quenched. Because CFCs persist for a very long time, they spread globally and keep depleting ozone for many years. In contrast, HFCs and HFOs don’t contain chlorine and have negligible ozone-depletion potential, and natural refrigerants like CO2 or ammonia likewise have little to no effect on the ozone layer.

Chlorinated refrigerants are the most harmful to the ozone layer. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, ultraviolet light breaks them apart and releases chlorine atoms. Those chlorine atoms act as catalysts in reactions that destroy ozone molecules, and they can do this repeatedly; one chlorine atom can break apart thousands of ozone molecules before it’s quenched. Because CFCs persist for a very long time, they spread globally and keep depleting ozone for many years. In contrast, HFCs and HFOs don’t contain chlorine and have negligible ozone-depletion potential, and natural refrigerants like CO2 or ammonia likewise have little to no effect on the ozone layer.

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