The Need To Eliminate CFCs Emmisions
The ozone layer; it protects life on earth from all the radiation emitted from the Sun, including the cancer-causing UV rays (ultraviolet light). In other words, it acts as nature’s sunscreen! However, there are many chemicals that destroy this layer; one of them being chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemicals are an organic compound made up of hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine. CFCs are so powerful primarily due to its chlorine atoms. The radiation emitted from the Sun breaks down the chlorine atoms, causing ozone depletion. CFCs are used for the manufacture of aerosol cans, cleaning solvents and refrigerants. Ever since the dangers of CFCs have been discovered, they were replaced with safer options. In fact, the use of these types of chemicals have been banned by many countries under the Montreal Protocol. Thanks to this treaty, a slow but steady recovery of the ozone layer has been reported.
The emission of CFCs has been decreasing at a steady rate from 2006-2012. This rate changed in 2013, when researchers noticed a slower decline. As recently mentioned in BBC News’ article, Steven Montzka of the US’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was in shock to find that CFCs are making a comeback in the atmosphere. The exact source of this emission is unknown at the moment. However, it is coming from East Asia and is depleting the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean. To find how exactly countries in East Asia are illegally using CFCs, the UN conducted an investigation. CFC-11 was found in the insulating foam of buildings and appliances. This investigation proves that many countries are not transparent when it comes to reporting the types of chemicals used in their factories. To check for the presence of CFCs officials use gas chromatography and a mass spectrometry. The sample of the CFC is injected into the gas chromatography, where it is heated and vaporized. Then, a gas (ex hydrogen or helium) transfers the sample over to a glass tube filled with liquid with a high boiling point. There, the sample is divided into its components. The mass spectrometry then allows each component to pass through, before its information (including isotope) is recorded on a graph. However, this is not the leading source of CFCs in East Asia.
Most of the CFCs in the environment is found in the stratosphere. The comeback of CFCs is definitely a political and ethical issue. I wonder why people and companies would do this. There are absolutely no benefits for the use of CFCs on the environment. Action must be taken before the damage becomes irreversible and skin cancer becomes more abundant. As of now, the UN is conducting an investigation to find the exact culprit and the people/companies who are emitting CFCs in East Asia. The simple fix would be to stop using CFCs and return to the alternative substances used in previous years. Although this is not an issue in the Western world, citizens in Asia need to be more mindful of the products they use.
In order for this to happen, I believe the organizations and officials who founded the Montreal Treaty need to revisit their policies. More strict laws and surveillance needs to be put in place in order to ensure the ban of CFCs for good. My question for you is, why do you think that people in East Asia are beginning to use CFCs again, despite all of its negative side effects?
