Final answer:
Nitrous oxides and CFCs damage the ozone layer by depleting it, which leads to increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface and various ecological and health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nitrous oxides and CFCs both have a damaging effect on the ozone layer. These substances deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which is vital for protecting life on Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once commonly used as aerosol propellants and refrigerants, release chlorine atoms when broken down by ultraviolet light. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone molecules, leading to the destruction of ozone and creating what is known as an 'ozone hole', especially prominent over Antarctica. There have been global efforts to reduce the emission of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances to protect this crucial layer. Nitrous oxides similarly contribute to ozone depletion, leading to increased health risks like skin cancer and disruption of ecological systems.