Four ozone-depleting man-made gases identified

Four new man-made gases which contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer have been identified by scientists.

An estimated 74,000 tonnes of three chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) have been released into the atmosphere in recent decades, the research led by the University of East Anglia found.

All four gases started to enter the atmosphere in the 1960s, suggesting they are entirely man-made, and two are significantly increasing, the research revealed.