Question

It is not a cause for discouragement of the use of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants in domestic refrigerators and air-conditioners for
1. their ozone depletion potential
2. their global warming potential
3. their tendency to migrate to the upper atmosphere by molecular diffusion
4. their toxicity and non-availability
5.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : their toxicity and non-availability

Explanation:

• Most refrigerants found in air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers contain fluorocarbons, and many fluorocarbon compounds contain chlorine.
• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants were commonly used in equipment manufactured before 1995. CFC molecules are made up of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon.
• They are used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods, etc.
• CFCs and HCFCs are lighter than air, so they rise into the stratosphere, where ultraviolet light frees the chlorine. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules, thinning the Earth’s protective ozone layer.
• The ozone layer is important because it moderates the radiation the earth receives from the sun. A thinner ozone layer means more skin cancers and cataracts. Marine and terrestrial plants may be harmed as well.
• The ozone hole formed due to this increases the exposure of direct UV rays on earth carrying the potential risk of skin cancer and other negative effects.
• Ozone layer depletion is one of the major causes of Global Warming.
• Chlorofluorocarbons are used in a variety of applications because of their low toxicity, reactivity, and flammability.
• Every permutation of fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen based on methane and ethane has been examined and most have been commercialized.