CFC Full Form

CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons, which is a harmless and nonflammable compound made up of fluorine, chlorine, and carbon atoms. They’re used to make blowing agents for packaging materials and foam, aerosol sprays, solvents, and refrigerants, among other things. CFCs are halocarbons, which are a type of substance that contains both carbon and halogen atoms. A unique numbering scheme is used to identify individual CFC molecules. The number 11 denotes the amount of carbon, fluorine, hydrogen and chlorine atoms in a CFC. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are two types of fluorocarbons (HFCs). The world’s protective ozone layer is destroyed by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons, which shelter the earth from damaging ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation released by the sun. 

Environmental Impacts of Hydrocarbons

For decades, the planet’s atmosphere and climate have been changing, and hydrocarbons are one of the primary causes. This is a group of compounds that are largely made up of carbon and hydrogen. These compounds contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change as key components of oil, natural gas, and pesticides, deplete ozone, diminish plant photosynthetic ability, and increase the incidence of cancer and respiratory illnesses in people. Not to mention the fact that they pollute the environment by burning oil.

Depletion of ozone

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons are man-made substances that deplete ozone in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere). The stratospheric ozone layer protects the planet from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation, making life possible. A decrease in stratospheric ozone concentration permits more UV-B to reach the earth’s surface. Loss of stratospheric ozone can have serious consequences for human health and the environment, including:

• Skin cancer and cataracts are becoming more common.
• Damage to the immune system
• Plantlife on land and in water has been harmed.
• increased ozone production at ground level (smog)

When chlorine or bromine interacts with ozone, most stratospheric ozone depletion occurs. The majority of chlorine entering the stratosphere (84 per cent) comes from man-made sources, including CFCs and HCFCs, with the remaining 16 per cent coming from natural sources like the ocean and volcanoes. Man-made sources, notably Halons, account for around half of bromine entering the stratosphere.

Changes in the climate

In addition to destroying ozone, CFCs and HCFCs trap heat in the lower atmosphere, causing the planet to warm and temperature and weather to shift. HFCs absorbed and trapped infrared light or heat in the earth’s lower atmosphere and were initially created to replace CFCs and HCFCs. HFCs, CFCs, and HFCs are all part of a wider group of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming (GHGs). By the end of the century, greenhouse gases are predicted to have warmed the globe by 2.5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Extensive Hydrocarbon Damage from Oil

Massive oil spills are a clear cause of harm to human health and the environment. Animals and people may be harmed if they are exposed to huge volumes of oil. Animals that consume the oil may get poisoned as well. Oil is not just harmful in huge spills; tiny emissions from car leaks and other sources may add up to have disastrous impacts on the environment.

Health Consequences of Chlorofluorocarbons

CFCs can impair human health by inhalation, digestion, or other forms of physical contact and exposure to hazardous quantities of UV radiation.

Inhalation of CFCs

According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences, CFCs affect the central nervous system when inhaled. Lightheadedness, headaches, tremors, and convulsions are all symptoms of this intoxication, identical to that caused by alcohol. Inhaling CFCs can potentially cause cardiac rhythm problems, leading to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to excessive CFCs can result in asphyxiation.

Deficiency of the Immune System

CFCs can harm the human immune system in general, and scientists have linked direct exposure to issues with the central nervous system. These issues might include breathing difficulties or injuries to the heart, kidneys, or liver. The University of Georgia also notes that overexposure to the sun decreases general immune function or natural skin.

Skin Cancer and Vision Loss

CFCs contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, protecting us from the sun’s UV radiation. More individuals are exposed to UV radiation, leading to skin cancer. According to the University of Georgia, one out of every five Americans will acquire skin cancer at some point in their lives. Even if they don’t get skin cancer, too much sun exposure can leave people with wrinkled, thick, or leathery skin. Increased exposure to UV radiation can also cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.

Conclusion

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are harmless and nonflammable compounds of fluorine, chlorine, and carbon atoms. They’re used to make aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packaging materials, solvents, and refrigerants. CFCs destroy the ozone layer and warm the earth’s lower atmosphere, causing global climate change. They are part of a wider group of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. CFCs and HFCs are responsible for 11.5 per cent of the current influence of GHGs on climate and climate change. CFCs contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, protecting us from the sun’s UV radiation. One out of every five Americans will acquire skin cancer at some point in their lives. Too much sun exposure can leave some people with wrinkled, thick, or leathery skin.