Chlorofluorocarbons

In the context of aviation, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of compound that was historically used in various applications, most notably in the air conditioning systems of aircraft. CFCs are made up of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, and they are known for their excellent cooling properties. However, they have a significant environmental impact. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs can slowly rise to the stratosphere, where they are broken apart by solar radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These atoms can catalyze the destruction of ozone, leading to the thinning of the Earth's ozone layer, a phenomenon known as the ozone hole. This has serious implications for the health of living organisms, as the ozone layer protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Due to their ozone-depleting potential, the use of CFCs has been phased out in many countries under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer. In aviation, alternatives to CFCs, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are now used in air conditioning systems.