Chlorofluorocarbons in the Atmosphere - A Manufacturer's View

The status of the fluorocarbon-ozone depletion theory is reviewed from the standpoint of both theoretical calculation and experimental observation. It is found that the mass balance calculated for chlorine species in the stratosphere is not in satisfactory agreement with direct observations. The general uncertainties of the calculation together with these discrepancies from observation appears to justify the National Academy of Sciences' recommendations for continued study. The technical program of the fluorocarbon industry related to this problem is briefly discussed, as is Allied Chemical's efforts to identify alternate fluorocarbon materials.