What are freons ? What are their harmful effects on the environment ?

Explanation

Freons Freons are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and related compounds. They are non-reactive, non-inflammable, non-toxic organic molecules. These are widely used in airconditioners, refrigerators. These can induce skin cancer and causes ozone depletion in polar regions.
Depletion of ozone layer of environment is its harmful effect.
Depletion of Ozone Layer Due to very long life time, `CF_2Cl_2` (CFC.s) compounds reach the stratosphere where they get brocken down by powerful UV radiations and release chlorine free radical. The chlorine free radicals produced react with ozone and cause its depletion by converting it into chlorine monoxide radical and molecular oxygen.
`CF_2Cl_2(g)overset(hv)rarrCl(g)+CF_2Cl(g)`
`CFCl_3(g)overset(hv)rarrCFCl_2(g)+Cl" (Free redical)"`
`Cl(g)+O_3(g)rarrClO(G)+O_2(g)`