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Chapter 17: Problem 93

Why have Freons been banned?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Freons, a type of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), have been banned due to their negative impact on the environment, specifically their contribution to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer and their role in global warming. Released Freons break down into chlorine atoms, which react with ozone molecules and cause depletion. They are also potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Consequently, an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol was established in 1987 to phase out the production and use of Freons, leading to a significant decrease in their consumption and a gradual recovery of the ozone layer.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Freons and their composition

Freons are a group of synthetic chemicals commonly used as refrigerants, propellants, and solvents. They are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which means that they are composed of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine atoms.
02

Freons and their effect on the ozone layer

The ozone layer is a vital part of Earth's atmosphere that protects life on the planet by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When Freons are released into the atmosphere, they break down into their individual atoms due to reactions with UV radiation. The chlorine atoms then react with ozone molecules, breaking them apart and resulting in the depletion of the ozone layer.
03

The role of Freons in global warming

Besides their role in ozone depletion, Freons are also potent greenhouse gases. As greenhouse gases, they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming by increasing the greenhouse effect.
04

The Montreal Protocol

Due to the severe environmental problems caused by Freons and other ozone-depleting substances, an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol was established in 1987 to protect the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol aims to phase out the production and consumption of these harmful substances globally, including the use of Freons.
05

The results of the Montreal Protocol

The ban of Freons and other ozone-depleting substances through the Montreal Protocol has led to a significant decrease in their production and consumption worldwide. As a result, the ozone layer is slowly recovering, and the global warming potential of these substances is decreasing. However, it is crucial to continue the efforts to completely eliminate the use of harmful substances and replace them with safer alternatives to protect our environment for future generations.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain how hydrocarbons containing an \(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\) group are named.

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