What type of chemicals can cause ozone depletion?

Chlorinated compounds are primarily responsible for ozone depletion due to their chemical structure and behavior in the atmosphere. When these compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, are released into the atmosphere, they eventually break down under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms can react with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere.

This process is particularly damaging because one chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before it is eventually removed from the stratosphere, significantly reducing the ozone layer's ability to filter harmful UV radiation from the sun. It's important to understand this mechanism, as it highlights the environmental impact of certain man-made chemicals and the need for regulations to control their use.

In contrast, greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides do not have the same direct effect on ozone depletion. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and global warming but do not significantly interact with ozone molecules. Carbon dioxide, while a prominent greenhouse gas, also does not deplete ozone. Nitrogen oxides can have some involvement in ozone depletion indirectly, but they primarily influence the formation of tropospheric ozone rather than affecting the stratospheric