Refrigerants Argumentative Essay

When examining the history of most chemicals, there is often various arguments for and against that specific chemical. For instance, most prescription drugs contain side effects, which are unwanted symptoms caused by that drug. However, the beneficial effects of the drug far outweigh the side effects that accompany it. In contrast, such is not the case with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are chemical compounds containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Although they were considered as a significant breakthrough at the time of their discovery, CFCs have been found to cause various negative consequences on both the environment and humans. Before the discovery of chlorofluorocarbons, various types of chemicals were being used as refrigerants, which are just substances used in refrigeration. Refrigerants typically exhibit similar properties that enable them to be effective. For instance, refrigerants must have high thermal conductivity, which allows them to transfer heat at a faster rate (Thomas). These requirements were met by common chemical compounds such as ether, ammonia, methyl chloride, and even sulfur dioxide (LeCouteur and Burreson 310). However, these refrigerants were not ideal for …show more content…
As these CFCs deplete the ozone layer, more and more radiation from the sun is able to reach the earth, which can lead to several outcomes. For instance, it is known that exposure to significant amounts of UV rays can cause various types of skin cancers such as melanoma (Thiessen). In addition, exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the eyes and lead to conditions such as photokeratitis. Furthermore, UV rays are known to contribute in the development of cataracts, which are one of the major causes of blindness (Thiessen). As a result, an increase in the use of CFCs can eventually lead to various harmful effects on