Scientists have predicted that the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica could be healed within 70 years. The prediction comes days after the hole reached its maximum size for this year, breaking previous records for late September. The ozone "hole" opens up over the Antarctic every year in mid-August and usually peaks in size by September. It is not a hole in the literal sense because ozone still exists over the continent, but significant amounts of the gas are destroyed in this area because of the temperature and presence of damaging gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).