Special Pollutant: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth's protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working with industry, residents and government to reduce the damage done to the ozone layer by CFCs and related chemicals.
Why Are CFCs Bad for the Environment?
The stratospheric ozone layer makes it possible for life to exist by shielding the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. There is a substantial amount of scientific evidence that suggests man-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere). Decreased concentration of stratospheric ozone allows increased levels of UV-B rays to reach the earth's surface.
Specifically, stratospheric ozone loss can result in potential harm to human health and the environment, such as:
- increased incidence of skin cancer and cataracts,
- damage to terrestrial and aquatic plant life,
- damage to our immune system,
- premature aging of the skin,
- increased formation of ground-level ozone (smog), and
- weathering of plastics.
Stratospheric ozone depletion is caused when chlorine reacts with ozone. Most of the chlorine entering the stratosphere is from man-made sources (82%), such as CFCs and HCFCs with the remaining 18% from natural sources, such as the ocean and volcanoes.
Man-made compounds are very stable and can exist in the atmosphere for a long time; consequently, these compounds can reach the stratosphere and cause destruction of the ozone layer. Chlorine found in nature is water soluble. Therefore, most is removed in the lower atmosphere by rain, snow and ice and does not reach the stratosphere.
Some compounds are more harmful to the ozone layer than others. Each compound is measured in terms of ozone depletion potential (ODP). The ODP of each compound is established relative to CFC-11. Some common refrigerants with their uses and ODPs are:
| CFC-11 | Building Chillers | 1 |
| CFC-12 | Car A/C; Refrigerator; Freezer | 1 |
| HCFC-22 | Room A/C; Central A/C | 0.05 |
| Halon 1211 | Fire Extinguishers | 3 |
| HFC-134a | Car A/C; Refrigerators | 0 |
Minnesota has an estimated 6,000,000 appliances and car air conditioners that contain a total of about 16,000 tons of CFCs and HCFCs. Each year, approximately 300,000 appliances and car air conditioners containing about 340 tons of CFCs and HCFCs are disposed of.
Regulations are in place to help prevent the release of CFCs into the environment. In addition to the CFC production ban, servicers and disposers of appliances and motor vehicle air conditioners are required to obtain technician certification, proper refrigerant recovery or recycling equipment, and keep records.
For more information on ozone depletion, how it occurs, common myths and health effects, visit the EPA's Ozone Web site. 
Additional Information and Links:
For technical questions or for more information about CFCs, contact Jeffrey Bratko, U.S. EPA, Region V, Chicago, 312-886-6816. If you have a complaint, contact Lisa Holscher, U.S. EPA, Region V, Chicago, 312-886-6818.
- U.S. EPA's Ozone Depletion Web Site. This site contains information on labeling, nonessential products, CFC alternatives and ozone depletion science.
