%0 Journal Article
%T Investigation of CFC Substitutes to Arrest Ozone Depletion
%J -
%D 2018
%X Ozone is a molecule containing three oxygen atoms which is blue in colour and has a strong odour. Ozone is considered as helpful in the stratosphere and harmful substance in the troposphere. Most atmospheric ozone is concentrated within the stratosphere, about 15-30 km above the Earth¡¯s surface. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds developed back in the 1930's as safe, non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to dangerous substances like ammonia for purposes of refrigeration and spray can propellants. Their usage grew enormously over the years. One of the elements that constitute CFCs is chlorine. Very little chlorine exists naturally in the atmosphere. But it turns out that CFCs are an excellent way of introducing chlorine into the ozone layer. The ultraviolet radiation at this altitude breaks down CFCs, freeing the chlorine. Under the suitable conditions, this chlorine has the potential to destroy large amounts of ozone. This has indeed been observed, especially over Antarctica. Since the cognizance of adverse influence of halogenated refrigerants in the stratosphere and in troposphere, as proclaimed at the Montreal protocol with subsequent enactment of NASA Act in 1987, the home appliance manufacturers are seriously considering replacement of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by alternative fluids in all the factors of their ever increasing market say, on refrigerators, as a blowing agent for foams, as a cleaning agent for printed circuit boards and the like, much ahead of the EPA schedule. The paper presents a scenario of the research efforts in the field, both by individual investigators and entrepreneurs with necessary recommendations
%K Refrigerant
%K Cholrofluorocarbons
%K Threshold Limit Value
%K Ozone Depletion Potential
%U http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo?journalid=377&doi=10.11648/j.ajaic.20180202.14