An ozone layer located 20-25 km above the earth's surface absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting life on earth. Ultraviolet rays decompose oxygen into atomic oxygen, which then combines with molecular oxygen to form ozone. However, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules over time. The Montreal Protocol was formed to phase out the production of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.