What are the hazardous effects of CFC's including the length of time they can remain in the atmosphere?

CFCs can be broken by UV light to release chlorine radicals. These radicals are very reactive and catalyse the breakdown of ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2). Ozone absorbs radiation from the sun, so a decrease in the ozone level will lead to the Earth experiencing more of the Sun's radiation. A negative of this would be that some of the radiation is harmful and can lead to effects like skin cancer.