Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Air Conditioner Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been identified as a major cause of ozone layer depletion due to their chemical properties and the way they interact with the stratosphere. CFCs are stable, non-toxic compounds that were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually rise up to the stratosphere, where they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This breakdown releases chlorine atoms, which then participate in chemical reactions that lead to the destruction of ozone (O3) molecules.

The depletion of the ozone layer is concerning because this layer is critical for blocking harmful UV radiation from the sun. Increased levels of UV radiation can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems, as well as negative effects on ecosystems. While other pollutants like carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate matter can contribute to air quality issues and environmental problems, they are not linked to ozone layer depletion in the same way that CFCs are. The international response to this issue, such as the Montreal Protocol, aimed to phase out the use of CFCs, successfully reducing