What is responsible for ozone destruction?

What is responsible for ozone destruction?

• A. CFCs
• B. CO2
• C. Methane
• D. Ozone

Answer: (A)

Chlorine-containing compounds released into the upper atmosphere are responsible for ozone destruction. When UV light hits these molecules, it releases chlorine atoms that go on to catalytically break apart ozone molecules in a repeating cycle. This process changes O3 into O2 and robs the stratosphere of ozone, thinning the protective layer. Other gases like CO2 or methane affect climate and atmospheric chemistry in different ways, but they don’t drive the same ozone-destroying catalytic cycle. Ozone itself isn’t the culprit here—the key factor is the presence of halogen compounds such as CFCs, which is why that choice is the best answer.

Chlorine-containing compounds released into the upper atmosphere are responsible for ozone destruction. When UV light hits these molecules, it releases chlorine atoms that go on to catalytically break apart ozone molecules in a repeating cycle. This process changes O3 into O2 and robs the stratosphere of ozone, thinning the protective layer. Other gases like CO2 or methane affect climate and atmospheric chemistry in different ways, but they don’t drive the same ozone-destroying catalytic cycle. Ozone itself isn’t the culprit here—the key factor is the presence of halogen compounds such as CFCs, which is why that choice is the best answer.