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About how many ozone molecules can one chlorine atom destroy before it leaves the stratosphere?

Over 100,000 ozone molecules per chlorine atom.

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  1. Over 100,000 ✔
  2. About 10
  3. Exactly one

Why: Chlorine is not used up when it breaks apart an ozone molecule, so it keeps going. That is why chlorine from CFC and HCFC refrigerants is such a big deal. Leaked refrigerant can reach the stratosphere and do long-lasting damage.

Huh, didn't know that: Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created.

The dad joke
One chlorine atom can wreck 100,000 ozone molecules. Talk about a bad roommate.
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References

Answer: Over 100,000. Chlorine is not used up when it breaks apart an ozone molecule, so it keeps going. That is why chlorine from CFC and HCFC refrigerants is such a big deal. Leaked refrigerant can reach the stratosphere and do long-lasting damage.

  1. Basic Ozone Layer Science, US EPA www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science
    One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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