Use and Impact of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Plastic foam, refrigerator and air conditioner coolants, cleaners for electronic equipment, and, in some countries outside the United States, propellant for aerosol sprays. CFCs drift to the upper atmosphere, where sunlight breaks them down. The chlorine released breaks up ozone molecules, which form a layer protecting Earth from much of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.