| − | '''Chlorofluorocarbon''' ('''CFC''') is a type of compound consisting of [[chlorine]], [[fluorine]], and [[carbon]]. CFCs are are [[man-made]], stable, and non-toxic [[chemical]]s commonly used as refrigerants, solvents, aerosol propellants, and foam blowing agents. The most common CFCs are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115, and they are often referred to by the brand name ''Freon.'' | + | '''Chlorofluorocarbon''' ('''CFC''') is a type of compound consisting of [[chlorine]], [[fluorine]], and [[carbon]]. CFCs are [[man-made]], stable, and non-toxic [[chemical]]s commonly used as refrigerants, solvents, aerosol propellants, and foam blowing agents. The most common CFCs are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115, and they are often referred to by the brand name ''Freon.'' |
| | CFCs are very stable in the [[troposphere]]. They move to the [[stratosphere]] and are broken down by strong ultraviolet light, where they release chlorine radicals that act as a catalyst in the breakdown of [[ozone]] into [[oxygen]]. | | CFCs are very stable in the [[troposphere]]. They move to the [[stratosphere]] and are broken down by strong ultraviolet light, where they release chlorine radicals that act as a catalyst in the breakdown of [[ozone]] into [[oxygen]]. |