What do chlorofluorocarbons negatively impact in the environment?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds that were commonly used as refrigerants, propellants, and solvents. Their negative impact on the environment is primarily associated with their role in depleting the ozone layer.

The ozone layer, located in the Earth's stratosphere, plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by filtering out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually rise up and reach the stratosphere. There, they are broken down by UV radiation, releasing chlorine atoms in the process. These chlorine atoms can destroy thousands of ozone molecules, significantly thinning the ozone layer and leading to increased UV radiation reaching the surface of the Earth.

The consequences of ozone depletion include increased skin cancer rates, cataracts, and harm to the environment, such as adverse effects on marine ecosystems and plant life. This specific relationship between CFCs and the ozone layer highlights why this option is the correct focus when discussing the environmental impacts of chlorofluorocarbons.