Ozone Controversy

Archive Report

Fear of Depleting Atmospheric Ozone

Debate Over Effects of Aerosols and Refrigerants

The ozone controversy burst into public debate in the mid-1970s with confusing and frightening suddenness. Americans were told that their use of aerosol spray cans and air conditioners, among other things, might be endangering the fragile atmospheric ozone layer1 that protects the earth from solar ultraviolet rays. If the ozone layer were depleted, it was said, the result could be more human skin cancer, damage to plant life, and even global climatic changes. Cries to ban fluorocarbons—the allegedly guilty substances that are used primarily as propellants and refrigerants—were heard throughout the land. And the familiar aerosol spray can was branded as a dangerous weapon that could bring ecological doom.

Before long, however, a catch appeared: ...

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