What is a key environmental concern related to the use of CFCs?

• A. Depletion of the ozone layer
• B. Global warming
• C. Water pollution
• D. Agricultural soil degradation

Answer: (A)

The depletion of the ozone layer is a significant environmental concern associated with the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are chemicals that once were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. When these substances are released into the atmosphere, they eventually reach the stratosphere, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms can then react with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere.

The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. A thinning ozone layer results in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can lead to higher incidences of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as detrimental impacts on ecosystems and wildlife. Efforts to ban CFCs, such as the Montreal Protocol established in the 1980s, have been aimed at mitigating this environmental concern by reducing their prevalence in the atmosphere.

The other options, while important environmental issues, are not directly linked to CFCs. For example, global warming is primarily associated with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, and water pollution pertains