The strength of CFC absorption bands and the unique susceptibility of the atmosphere at wavelengths where CFCs (indeed all covalent fluorine compounds) absorb radiation [16] creates a "super" greenhouse effect from CFCs and other unreactive fluorine-containing gases such as perfluorocarbons, HFCs, HCFCs, bromofluorocarbons, SF 6, and NF 3. [17]

Once in the stratosphere, CFCs are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. For example, a single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before being deactivated. 5.

The most common emitter of CFCs are refrigerants, particularly those used after the 1930s. Dupont brand named their new product "Freon" and various other brand names produced the CFC-based refrigerant worldwide.

A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) consists of volatile derivatives of methane and ethane in combination with halogenated elements like chlorine and fluorine. Hence, the common formulae of CFCs can be expressed as CCl n F 4−n and C 2 Cl n F 6−n with non-zero value of ‘ n ’ (Table 1).

Based on observations of the chlorofluorocarbons CFC-13 (chlorotrifluoromethane), ΣCFC-114 (combined measurement of both isomers of dichlorotetrafluoroethane), and CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane) in atmospheric and firn samples, we reconstruct records of their tropospheric histories spanning nearly 8 decades.