The abbreviation CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons . This is a group of chemicals containing carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen. CFCs were once widely used as refrigerants in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and as aerosol propellants.
The problem with CFCs is that they can damage the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the stratosphere, where they are broken down by UV radiation. This releases chlorine atoms that can destroy the ozone molecules in the ozone layer, contributing to ozone depletion.
Because of the harmful effects of CFCs on the ozone layer, they are internationally banned or heavily regulated through the Montreal Protocol , which requires countries to reduce the use of CFCs and replace them with safer alternatives.