CFCs, on the other hand, do not dissolve in water. They do not break down in the lower atmosphere. When CFC's get to the stratosphere, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes them to break apart and release chlorine atoms. Then the chlorine atoms react with ozone, start chemical cycles of ozone destruction that depletes the ozone layer (Christie 15). A single chlorine atom can break apart at least 100,000 ozone molecules (Christie 15). The chlorine attaches to the oxygen atoms and breaks the ozone molecule apart (Christie 16). A single CFC molecule stays in the atmosphere for 50-200 years (Cagin 8).
There are many consequences involved in the destruction of the Ozone layer. One consequence is the increase in Ultraviolet Rays that reach the Earth. Scientists have now found that the, "Earth's protective ozone shield is thinning not only in the winter but also in the summer when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the worst (Cagin 9)". The ozone shields most of these rays that are harmful to all creatures. Ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) is very harmful to humans. It burns human skin and it damages eyes. Some think not only human eyes, but the eyes of other animals can be damaged. UV rays also hurt human and animal immune systems along with DNA. Children have the highest risk. They spend more time outside during the summer when UV rays are the worst. In addition, children's lungs are still developing which makes it especially dangerous (Cagin 9).
Increases in melanoma, "which is a deadly human skin cancer" will result from the depletion of the ozone (Cagin 9). Scientists have estimated that if the amount of ozone continues to decrease, 100,000 more skin cancer cases will appear in the United States each year (Cagin 9 ). The government estimated, even before more recent evidence was obtained, that ozone depletion would cause, "twelve million Americans to get skin cancer over the next 50 years (Cagin 10).
