The Major Cause of Ozone Depletion in the Stratosphere Was

Question

The major cause of ozone depletion in the stratosphere was
A) CFCs
B) Lead paints
C) DDT
D) Excessive nutrients

Accepted Answer

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are synthetic compounds used in refrigerants, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays that were found to be a major cause of the depletion of the ozone layer. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they can travel up to the stratosphere where they are broken down by ultraviolet light, releasing chlorine atoms that can break down ozone molecules, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer.