What does the Ozone Depletion Potential measure?

The Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) is a specific metric designed to quantify the potential impact that a substance, particularly refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), has on the depletion of the ozone layer. It indicates the relative ability of a chemical compound to contribute to the breakdown of ozone in the stratosphere compared to a standard substance (usually CFC-11, which has an ODP of 1).

Understanding ODP is critical in evaluating the environmental effects of various refrigerants. By measuring how much ozone a specific refrigerant can destroy, ODP provides crucial insights that influence environmental policies and regulations surrounding substances that may harm the ozone layer. Therefore, the measurement signifies not just the characteristics of refrigerants but, more importantly, their potential ecological footprint concerning ozone layer depletion.