OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

The destruction of Ozone molecules in the Ozone Layer of the Stratosphere by chemical reactions with materials released by human activities. The main ozone-consuming chemicals are the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and the halons, both of which are groups of chemicals that are extremely stable in the Troposphere, with typical atmospheric lifetimes of 60 to 100 years. If the CFC's or halons migrate to the stratospheric ozone layer, the ultraviolet radiation there is strong enough to break the molecules apart, releasing chlorine atoms (CFC's) or bromine atoms (halons) which react with and destroy ozone. Also referred to as Ozone Depletion.