The Thinning of The Ozone Layer

The Thinning of The Ozone Layer

1. The Ozone Layer

   •  The ozone layer is located on earth’s stratosphere which contain relatively high concentration of ozone ( a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms).
   •  The ozone layer is crucially important to life because it absorbs biologically harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

2. Ozone Depletion

   •  The thinning of the ozone layer is blamed on the increase in CFCs.
   •  CFCs are used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners as aerosol propellants and in foam plastics production.
   •  CFCs release chlorine atoms when reacting with solar radiation at high altitudes.
   •  The chlorine atoms then cause ozone molecules to break down. Chlorine atoms can remain in the stratosphere in 100 years, constantly and repeatedly breaking down ozone molecules.
   •  A thinning ozone layer will lead to increased UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface.
   •  This will cause an increase in incidence of cataracts and skin cancers in humans as it increases mutation rates.
   •  It also suppresses the immune system of animals and humans, and also damages plants and phytoplantonks.
   •  The use of CFCs is being phased out under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, 1987.
   •  The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement that control the production and consumption of Ozone-Depleting Substances ( ODSs) such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs).
   •  ODSs are also gases that contribute to global warming.
   •  CFCs are currently being replaced by HFC molecules which do not break down ozone, and HFCs which has a low ozone breakdown potential (HCFs will be phased out by 2030).