Certain industrial processes and consumer products result in the emission of halogen source gases to the atmosphere. These gases bring chlorine and bromine to the stratosphere, which cause depletion of the ozone layer. For example, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once used in almost all refrigeration and air conditioning systems, eventually reach the stratosphere, where they are broken apart to release ozone-depleting chlorine atoms.
Other examples of human-produced ozone-depleting gases are the halons, which are used in fire extinguishers and contain ozone-depleting bromine atoms. The production and consumption of all principal halogen source gases by human activities are regulated worldwide under the Montreal Protocol.   _{Your Comment}