Nature 249, 810 - 812 (28 June 1974); doi:10.1038/249810a0

Stratospheric sink for chlorofluoromethanes: chlorine atomc-atalysed destruction of ozone

Mario J. Molina & F. S. Rowland

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92664

Chlorofluoromethanes are being added to the environment in steadily increasing amounts. These compounds are chemically inert and may remain in the atmosphere for 40−150 years, and concentrations can be expected to reach 10 to 30 times present levels. Photodissociation of the Chlorofluoromethanes in the stratosphere produces significant amounts of chlorine atoms, and leads to the destruction of atmospheric ozone.

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