MACS 609 Certification Practice Exam

What does Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) indicate?

1. Relative ability to cause soil erosion

2. Relative ability to destroy ozone

3. Potential for water contamination

4. Likelihood of toxic emission

The correct answer is: Relative ability to destroy ozone

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) is a measure that quantifies the relative ability of a substance to contribute to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere compared to a reference substance, typically trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11). This measurement is particularly important in environmental science and policy because the depletion of the ozone layer can lead to increased levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which has harmful effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate. Understanding ODP is crucial for regulating substances that can harm the ozone layer. For instance, chemicals with high ODP values are prioritized for reduction or elimination in international agreements like the Montreal Protocol. This agreement focuses on phasing out substances that deplete ozone, thereby protecting this vital part of our atmosphere. The other options do not pertain to the concept of Ozone Depletion Potential. Soil erosion, water contamination, and toxic emissions are separate environmental issues that do not relate to the specific impact a chemical has on ozone levels. ODP is focused solely on the potential of a compound to contribute to ozone layer depletion, making it a critical metric in environmental protection efforts.