Invisible gases and invisible rays in an invisible atmosphere
Oct 31, 2023
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The podcast explores the impact of hair sprays and deodorants on the ozone layer. It tells the story of the chemist Frank Sherwood Rowland and his discovery of the ozone depletion problem. The podcast also discusses the destruction of molecules in the atmosphere and the process by which CFC molecules destroy the ozone layer. It highlights the industry's response to the findings and their tactics to stall regulation.
CFCs released into the atmosphere can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules per chlorine atom.
The CFC industry downplayed the theory and stalled regulations by questioning the lack of relevant ozone measurements and funding a three-year study.
Deep dives
Discovery of CFCs and their widespread use
Chemists Rowland and Molina discover the stability and wide usage of CFCs, used in everything from aerosol sprays to air conditioning, with billions of aerosol sprays produced annually.
The ozone destruction theory
Rowland and Molina propose a theory that CFCs released into the atmosphere can be broken apart by ultraviolet light, releasing chlorine atoms that react with ozone molecules. They estimate that one chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules.
Industry response and delay in regulation
The CFC industry responds to Rowland and Molina's theory by downplaying it, questioning the lack of relevant ozone measurements. They stall regulation efforts by providing economic impact data and funding a three-year study. Despite warnings from scientists, regulations are put on hold.