CFC

CFC, or Chlorofluorocarbon, is a synthetic chemical compound once commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam insulation, and aerosol propellants. These molecules are stable and non-toxic at Earth's surface but become harmful when they reach the upper atmosphere. In the stratosphere, CFCs release chlorine atoms upon breakdown by ultraviolet radiation, which then destroy ozone molecules that protect us from harmful UV rays. This depletion of the ozone layer increases the risk of skin cancer and other environmental impacts. Due to their destructive nature, CFC production was phased out under the Montreal Protocol, an international effort to protect the ozone layer.