When CFC’s are released into the air, they often reach the stratosphere and start breaking down the ozone. However, the atmospheric impacts of CFCs are not limited to its role as an active ozone reducer. This compound is also a greenhouse gas, with a much higher potential to enhance the greenhouse effect than CO2. Less ozone means less protection, and hence more UVB reaches the Earth. UVB can cause skin cancer, and has been linked to cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens) in humans. UVB radiation interferes with a plants ability to grow properly, absorb and distribute nutrients properly, and interferes with the timing of their developmental phases. These changes can have important implications for plant competitive balance, herbivory, plant diseases, and biogeochemical cycles. In marine ecosystems, Exposure to solar UVB radiation has been shown to affect both orientation mechanisms and motility in phytoplankton, resulting in reduced survival rates for these organisms. Solar UVB radiation has been found to cause damage to early developmental stages of fish, shrimp, crab, amphibians and other animals. The most severe effects are decreased reproductive capacity and impaired larval development. An increases in UVB exposure could result in significant reduction in the size of the population of animals that eat these smaller creatures.
Fun Fact!
CFCs are safe for applications in the lower atmosphere. However, in the upper atmosphere, CFCs undergo a significant reaction including the destruction of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
CFCs are safe for applications in the lower atmosphere. However, in the upper atmosphere, CFCs undergo a significant reaction including the destruction of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.