Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made chemical compounds composed of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam production because of their stability and non-toxic nature. However, CFCs are harmful to the ozone layer, which protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the ozone layer, where they release chlorine atoms that break down ozone molecules. This thinning of the ozone layer increases skin cancer risk and environmental damage. Due to these effects, the production of many CFCs has been phased out under international agreements like the Montreal Protocol.