DIPLOMA OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

DRO1413:

INTRODUCTION TO TOXICOLOGY

GROUP 7:

TOPIC OF ASSIGNMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION OF OZONE

LAYER DEPLETION

NAME MATRIC NUMBER

MUHAMMAD HAKIM BIN ISMAIL RO21299
MUHAMMAD KAMARUL FAHMI BIN SHAMSOL RO21273
RAHMAN
MUHAMMAD NURDINIE BIN RASADZELI RO21127
NUR DAMIA HUDA BINTI SAPERI RO21176
NUR DANISH HAIQHAL BIN SHAMSOL RO21205
NURUL FARISHA HANUM BINTI ISMAIL RO21105
PUTERI AMIERA BATRISYIA BINTI SAKERI RO21249

LECTURER’S NAME: DR. NORHIDAYAH BINTI ABDULL

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE: PAGES
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 5 TYPES OF CHEMICALS THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE 1
OCCURRENCE OF THE OZONE LAYER DEPLETION
1.2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EACH OF THE CHEMICALS 1
1.3 USES OF EACH OF THE CHEMICALS IN INDUSTRY (TYPES 2
OF INDUSTRY AND PURPOSE OF USAGE)

PART 2: MANUFACTURING
2.1 MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE OF THE CHEMICALS 4
2.2 CHEMICAL REACTION AND CHEMICAL EQUATION 6

PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

3.1 CHANGES THE CHEMICALS BROUGHT OF THE 8
ENVIRONMENT
3.2 CASE STUDY REPORT OR PREVIOUS RESEARCHES 9
3.3 UNDERLYING CAUSES OF THE IMPACTS 10
3.4 LOST FROM THE IMPACTS (MATERIAL AND IMMATERIAL) 11
3.5 MITIGATIONS 12
3.6 LESSON LEARNED-MESSAGE TO OTHERS 13

REFERENCES 14
 PART 1: INTRODUCTION

In this twenty-first century, chemical substances released into the atmosphere

cause gradual weakening of the ozone layer (Wuebbles, 2021).

1.1 TYPES OF CHEMICALS

 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
 Halon
 Carbon Tetrachloride (CC14)
 Methyl chloroform (CH3CCI3)
 Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCI)

1.2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EACH OF THE CHEMICALS

I. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)

Chlorofluorocarbon is based on the hydrocarbon framework. It is not combustible,

have no taste or smell, and chemically inert. Furthermore, its low boiling point makes it
excellent to (Rosenbaum, 2020)

II. Halon

Halon is any of unreactive gaseous compounds of carbon with bromine and other
halogens. Halon has the chemical formula, CBrF3 and a molar mass of 148.910 gmol1.
It is colourless and odourless. It has a boiling point of -72°F and a freezing value of -
267°F. Halon is a non-combustible gas with a solubility of 0.03 per cent. ((NIOSH),
2019)

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III. Carbon Tetrachloride (CC14)

Carbon tetrachloride having the chemical formula CCL4. It is colorless liquid with
a sweet odor. It is non-flammable. The molar mass is 153.81 g/mol and a melting point
of 22.92 °C, a boiling temperature of 76.72 °C.

IV. Methyl Chloroform (CH3CCI3)

Methyl Chloroform is a white liquid. The solubility is 0.4 percent, and the
molecular weight is 133.4. This chemical has a boiling point of 165 ° F and a freezing
point of -23 ° F. Methyl Chloroform is a flammable substance that burns slowly.

V. Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCI)

Bromochloromethane are corrosive and irritating. It has a molecular weight of

129.38 as well as it is a transparent liquid. The density is 1,991 g/cm3 and the boiling
point is 68 ° C. It is nonflammable but toxic vapours may be released when exposed to
high temperatures. (Chemicals, 2021).

1.3 USES OF EACH OF THE CHEMICALS IN INDUSTRY

I. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)

Chlorofluorocarbons is largely employed in the manufacturing industry such as in

the production of aerosol sprays. Aside from that, it is used as a blowing agent, a
refrigerant, a fire suppression agent, a propellant in metered dosage inhalers (MDIs),
and a dry etching agent in semiconductor production. The purpose of this chemical's
use in industry is to clean solvents in electronic components.

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 II. Halon

Halon is a fire extinguisher, and these compounds are also used to cool
flammable liquids and most solid combustible materials. Aside from that, Halon is
commonly found in every industry due to its widespread use as a fire extinguisher.

III. Carbon Tetrachloride (CC14)

Recently, it has been used to treat hookworm and intestinal parasitic disorders
and employed in the treatment of canines by the veterinary profession. It is used as a
solvent in the rubber industry and medicine sector. Aside from that, it is used as a
cleaning agent in the dry-cleaning industry. In machine shops, carbon tetrachloride has
also been used to remove grease. (PAUL A. DAVIS, 1934).

IV. Methyl Chloroform (CH3CCI3)

Methyl Chloroform is most commonly found in the textile and electronics sectors.
Its industrial applications include vapor reduction, cold cleaning, aerosols, adhesives,
chemicals intermediate in the synthesis of vinylidene chloride, coatings and inks, and
other uses. Aside from that, it was previously employed as a food and grain fumigant.
(EFIG, 2005)

V. Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCI)

During the mid-1940s, Germans created this chemical for use in fire
extinguishers. Because it is a sort of chemical used in fire extinguishers, it is used in
every industry area. Following that, the goal of employing bromochloromethane is to
develop a less-toxic, more effective alternative to carbon tetrachloride. (Cuello WS,
2012).

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 PART 2: MANUFACTURING

2.1 MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE OF THE CHEMICALS

Chemical manufacturing is the process which is chemical is synthesized from

raw materials or other chemical. Product formulation is the process by which chemical
products, composed of one or more ingredients, are prepared according to the product
formula. There are steps in chemical manufacturing:

1. Obtain all the chemical information, including CAS RNs (CAS Registry Number,
synonyms, boiling and melting points from the Chemical Properties module).
2. Determine the primary industrial mode of synthesis for each chemical in the use
cluster (can be referred to the table below).
3. Develop a chemical manufacturing process flow diagram for the primary mode of
synthesis. The purpose is to identify the major unit operations and equipment,
and also input and output streams.
4. Identify all the chemical intermediates, catalysts, feedstocks, and chemical
products or by-products involved in the synthesis that have the potential for
release.

The next 4 step is involved in Product Formulation. Its start by obtaining

chemical product formulation data for any chemical products being evaluated in the
CTSA from the Performance Assessment module. When proprietary chemical products
are being used, only generic formulations may be available. Next step is determining
the primary industrial method of formulation for each chemical product being evaluated.
Mixing operations, with or without the addition of heat or pressure, are typical
manufacturing processes for product formulations. Develop a process flow diagram for

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the primary industrial method of formulation. The diagram should consist the unit
operations, material flows, and equipment used in the formulation process. If a chemical
reaction occurs in the formulation process, determine if any special reaction conditions
are required. If a product is formulated by mixing only, determine if any special
conditions are required to get ingredients into solution. This information can be used to
evaluate the energy impacts of the alternatives. Last is, identify any chemical
intermediates, catalysts, feedstocks, and chemical products or by-products involved in
the product formulation process that have the potential for release.

The last step involves transferring information:

a. Energy usage resulting from the chemical manufacturing and product formulation
processes (e.g., heat, pressure, etc.) to the Energy Impacts module.
b. Material streams usage resulting from the chemical manufacturing or product
formulation processes (e.g., chemical feedstocks, catalysts, etc.) to the Resource
Conservation module.

 Table 1

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2.2 CHEMICAL REACTION AND CHEMICAL EQUATION

CHEMICAL REACTION

The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured
chemicals, produced from halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam-
blowing agents’ chlorofluorocarbons, referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
These mixtures are shipped into the stratosphere by turbulent mixing after being emitted
from the surface, mixing much faster than the molecules can settle.

Once in the stratosphere, they release atoms from the halogen group through
photodissociation, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2). The
two sorts of ozone depletion were seen to increment as emanations of halocarbons
expanded. Damage to the ozone layer is believed to be due to man-made gases, which
are halogenated hydrocarbons that are very stable and can reach the ozone layer.
Halogenated hydrocarbons will break down ozone molecules and produce chlorine.

I. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)

A known threat to the ozone balance is the introduction of man-made

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that increase the rate of ozone depletion causing a gradual
decline in global ozone levels. CFCs are used by modern society in countless ways, in
refrigerators, propellants in sprayers and solvent materials especially for electronics
factories.

The lifespan of CFCs means that a single molecule released today can exist 50 to
100 years in the atmosphere before being eliminated. For about 5 years, CFCs move
up slowly into the stratosphere (10 - 50 km). Above the main ozone layer, in the middle

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of the altitude range of 20 - 25 km, less UV is absorbed by ozone. CFC molecules
decompose after reacting with UV and releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms
are capable of destroying ozone.

The main cause of CFCs is aerosol sprayers used including in refrigerators and air
conditioners used in homes as well as in vehicles. Apart from that, other sources such
as Bromine, Nitric Oxide, and Hydroxyl Radical reactions. The ozone layer can also be
destroyed naturally through chemical reactions in the atmosphere such as UV radiation
that passes through the ozone layer which can build up and destroy the ozone layer.

CHEMICAL EQUATION

Ozone has consistently had regular foes in the environment. One of them is
nitrogen, however, chlorine has been added to the rundown over the previous century.

Indeed, its fixation has expanded because of human-related exercises, breaking the
fragile equilibrium of the stratosphere.

At the point when the atom of chlorine monoxide (CIO) meets one more particle of
oxygen, it separates, delivering chlorine, which can "annihilate" one more particle of
ozone (O3), making the synergist pattern of chlorine. CEO+O=Cl+O2.The modern
creation of CFCs began in the 1920s, causing a normal decrease of the ozone layer of
3%.

Luckily, chlorine has "regular foes" too, like methane (CH4). Because of them, the
normal ozone layer could recuperate north of 50 years, as long as CFCs are not
generally utilized on a worldwide level. The ozone consumption is additionally alluded
to as the "ozone opening", because of the way that its decrease isn't uniform, however
essentially packed in the Antarctic locale, with decreases up to 70 percent.
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 PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

3.1 CHANGE THE CHEMICALS BROUGHT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

The atmosphere of the earth is divided into five layers. In order of closest and
thickest to farthest and thinnest the layers are listed as follows; first troposphere,
stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The majority of the ozone in
the atmosphere resides in the stratosphere, which extends from six miles above the
earth's surface to 31 miles. Humans rely heavily on the absorption of ultraviolet B rays
by the ozone layer because UV-B radiation causes skin cancer and can lead to genetic
damage. The ozone layer has historically protected the earth from harmful UV rays,
although in recent decades this protection has diminished due to stratospheric ozone
depletion.

Ozone depletion is largely a result of man-made substances. Humans have introduced

gases and chemicals into the atmosphere that have rapidly depleted the ozone layer in
the last century. This depletion makes humans more vulnerable to the UV-B rays which
are known to cause skin cancer as well as other genetic deformities. The ozone-
depleting substances contain chlorofluorocarbon, carbon
tetrachloride/hydrochlorofluorocarbon, and methyl chloroform. Whereas, the ozone-
depleting substances that contain Romine are halons, methyl bromide.

Those things can be dangerous to the environment, which means that is

possible strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering, and
photosynthesis in plants. The forests also have to bear the harmful effects of ultraviolet
rays. These strong ultraviolet rays can penetrate the sea and can affect marine life,
such as planktons are greatly affected by the rays. These are higher in the aquatic food
chain. If the planktons are destroyed, the organisms present in the food chain are also
affected. Meanwhile, humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiation
of the sun due to the depletion of the ozone layer. This might be serious health issues

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among humans, such as skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick aging, and
weak immune system.

3.2 CASE STUDY REPORT OF OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

Ozone layer destruction. Research conducted since 1992 and 1993 showed the
ozone layer in most places showed a decline in the ozone layer. Even during the spring,
the mid-latitude region in the north showed a 20 percent reduction including a severe
reduction in the ozone hole area in Antarctica. Historically, the destruction of the ozone
layer was detected as early as the 1960s by British Scientists in Antarctica who
discovered in the 1980s there were holes in the ozone layer in Antarctica every spring in
September-October.

In 1988 the ozone hole had an area covering Antarctica and parts of Australia
and New Zealand. However, the impact of this ozone hole did not worry us because the
incident took place in an uninhabited region of Antarctica. Nevertheless, the identified
cause of ozone depletion is CFCs. A study conducted in 1993 showed that every year
the release of CFCs into the atmosphere is constantly increasing and since the gas is
not destroyed then part of the gas will attack the ozone layer causing destruction and
depletion of the ozone layer.

Environmental Studies scientists from the University of Melbourne in a recent

study have discovered a new threat that is causing the ozone layer recovery process in
the Antarctic region. The discovery of chemical emissions from industrial products such
as paint removal, bleach, and the pharmaceutical industry has slowed down the ozone
hole recovery process. Increased use of such products in the future will extend the
recovery period of the ozone depletion hole in Antarctica (Perkins, 2017)

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3.3 UNDERLYING CAUSES OF THE IMPACTS

Ozone layer depletion causes increased UV radiation levels at the earth’s

surface which is damaging to human health. Negative effects include increases in
certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune deficiency disorders. UV rays
also affect plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity. There are a few types of
chemicals that cause this which are chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the cause of
ozone layer depletion. These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air
conditioners, etc.

The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by

the ultraviolet radiation and release chlorine atoms other than that is halogenated
ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These are some of the main causes of ozone
depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured chemicals, especially manufactured
halocarbons refrigerants solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing agents (CFCS)
HCFCs halons. Since the early 1970’s scientists observed a reduction in stratospheric
ozone and it was found more prominent in polar regions ODS substances have a
lifetime of about 110 years.

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3.4 LOST FROM THE IMPACTS (MATERIAL AND IMMATERIAL)

MATERIAL

I. Chlorofluorocarbons

Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the cause of ozone layer depletion. These are
released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

II. Unregulated Launches of Rocket

The large-scale rocket launching also causes large-scale ozone depletion. Studies have
shown that rocket launches cause more ozone depletion than CFCs.

III. Nitrogenous Compound

This is also a very large cause of ozone layer depletion that comes from a small amount
of NO, N2O, and NO2.

IMMATERIAL

I. The Sun

Ultraviolet radiation that is very harmful without the ozone layer can cause devastation
to the world and kill all life on earth

II. Forest Fire

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That happens often every year whether from heat which dried a lot of plants and causes
the plants to burn easily or from an eruption of the volcano and accidental fire

3.5 MITIGATION

The phenomenon of ozone depletion is becoming increasingly alarming and

appropriate measures need to be taken to address this problem. If the earlier steps are
not taken it will have a detrimental effect on the life of beings on earth. Therefore,
several steps need to be taken to control or curb the problem of ozone depletion before
it gets worse. Among them is reducing the use of CFCs in various industries. Excessive
use of CFCs in various industries will increase the release of large amounts of CFCs
into the atmosphere and in turn cause damage to the ozone-free layer. Consumption
control for example through legislation or an increase in import taxes to increase the
cost of CFCs will reduce its waste and consumption and in turn reduce the release of
CFCs into the atmosphere.

However, other measures need to be implemented, namely international

cooperation and commitment. This is because the problem of ozone depletion is
universal. Therefore, cooperation between all countries in the world to overcome it is
necessary. World environmental bodies and the United Nations play an important role in
holding conventions, conferences to raise awareness of heads of state who have
executive power in their respective countries and involve them directly in overcoming
these problems. Through the convention, it will provide awareness to the world
community about the depletion of the ozone layer.

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3.6 LESSON LEARNED

Looking back over the scientific investigation of ozone depletion, depletion of

the ozone layer is a major contributor to global warming which is the phenomenon of
gas trapping as a greenhouse gas. The depletion of the ozone layer is a reality that
threatens human survival if not taken seriously. Without the ozone layer, many lives on
earth would be extinct, including humans. This phenomenon shows that the ozone layer
is one of the protections to the earth from ultraviolet radiation and if it gets thinner it will
have a very bad effect on life on earth. The lesson that can be learned is, the ozone
layer is one of the most important layers of protection to the earth from ultraviolet
radiation that will affect human life and the environment.

One of the factors that cause the depletion of the ozone layer is the activities
performed by humans. Human activities such as the burning of garbage that produces
chemical gases uncontrollably on the earth's surface. This will cause an increase in
ultraviolet radiation to the earth's surface. The increase in ultraviolet radiation will
increase the earth's temperature and bring diseases such as skin cancer to society. The
lesson that can be learned is, all activities performed by humans will also have an
impact back on humans. Therefore, to prevent that from happening, we must avoid
activities that can release chemical gases into the environment.

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(NIOSH), N. I. (30 October, 2019). NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
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