​OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

The ozone layer is a deep layer in the ​stratosphere​, encircling the Earth, that has large amounts of
ozone in it. The layer shields the entire Earth from much of the harmful ultraviolet radiation that
comes from the sun. The ozone layer, also called the stratosphere, is composed of the ozone gas
(90% of the total ozone in the atmosphere). The ozone has three oxygen atoms, and it is the
result of the action of UltraViolet(UV) radiation on oxygen molecules, composed of two oxygen
atoms. In the upper regions of the atmosphere, UV light breaks apart oxygen molecules into two

oxygen atoms, one of which then combines with a second oxygen molecule to form ozone.

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are halogen gases containing chlorine and bromine which
have the potential to break down ozone in the stratosphere. There are a significant number of
ODS, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl
chloride and bromide, and halons.These gases, emitted at the surface, are distributed globally
through the lower atmosphere through wind transport patterns. From there, they can be
transported into the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) where they can form highly reactive
chlorine or bromine gases in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) sunlight. Reactive halogen gases
can then destroy stratospheric ozone, resulting in depletion of the ozone layer.
Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer​: Ozone layer has been found to be affected by certain
natural phenomena such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been found to cause
not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be only
temporary. It is also believed that the major ​volcanic eruptions​ (mainly El Chichon in 1983 and
and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991) has also contributed towards ozone depletion.

Man-made causes of depletion of ozone layer​: The main cause for the depletion of ozone is
determined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, CH3CCl3 (Methyl
chloroform), CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons),
hydrobromofluorocarbons and methyl bromide are found to have direct impact on the depletion
of the ozone layer. These are categorized as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

Let us see a few possible effects of the ozone layer depletion on the earth’s environment and also
on the plants and animals. The depletion of ozone layer allows entering of UV rays from sun into
the earth’s atmosphere which is associated with a number of health related and environmental
issues. Let us see its major impacts on human beings.
Skin Cancer: exposure to UV rays from sun can lead to increased risk for developing of several
types of skin cancers. Malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most
common cancers caused by exposure to UV rays.

Eye Damage: UV rays are harmful for our eyes too. Direct exposure to UV rays can lead to
Cataract problems, and also Photokeratitis or snow blindness.

Damage to Immune system: our immune system is also highly vulnerable to UV rays. Increased
exposure to UV rays can lead to weakening of the response of immune system and even
impairment of the immune system in extreme cases.

Aging of skin: exposure to UV rays can lead to acceleration of the aging process of your skin.
This will result in you looking older than what you actually are. It can also lead to photo allergy
that result in outbreak of rashes in fair skinned people

In humans, exposure to UV rays can also lead to difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and throat
irritation and can even lead to hampering of lung function.

UV rays affect other life forms too. It adversely affects the different species of amphibians and is
one of the prime reasons for the declining numbers of the amphibian species. It affects them in
every stage of their life cycle; from hampering the growth and development in the larvae stage,
deformities and decreases immunities in some species and to even retinal damage and blindness
in some species.

UV rays also have adverse effect on the marine ecosystem. It adversely affects the planktons
which plays a vital role in the food chain and oceanic carbon cycle. Affecting phytoplankton
will in turn affect the whole ocean ecosystem.

UV rays will also affect the plants. UV radiations can alter the time of flowering in some plant
species. It can also directly affect the plant growth by altering the physiological and
developmental processes of the plants.
Let's take a look at some of the ways in which we can prevent the current situation from getting
worse.As our scientific knowledge about ozone depletion grew, so too did the response to the
issue. In 1987, leaders from many countries came together to sign a landmark environmental
treaty, the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer.Till now more than
190 nations have signed this protocol and have started minimizing the production of ODS
substances. Some major first generation ozone depleting substances (ODS), like the halons,
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methyl chloroform, methyl bromide have been phased to a great
extent.The United States and certain European countries have agreed to ban the total production
of the CFCs. This is also the best step forward because these counties produce more than
quarters of CFCs in the world.Since it was brought in to effect, the Montreal Protocol has
resulted in a rather positive change. Scientists believe that if all countries continue to follow this
treaty, the layer will attain its 1979 thickness by the year 2049.

You have a role to play to avoid any catastrophic outcomes. Each one of us is expected to follow
the following guidelines.

● Electronic appliances emit CFC even when they are not in use. So always unplug the
electronic instruments when they are not in use.
● Prefer to walk and as far as possible, avoid using vehicles. Simple measures like using
public transportation instead of your own private vehicle or carpooling will help in the
long run.
● Prefer buying energy-efficient appliances like fluorescent bulbs.
● Plant trees, as they absorb UV rays greatly and thus protect the environment.
● Replace your old refrigerators and air conditioners as they are the major contributors of
CFC in the atmosphere.
● Avoid or restrict the use of insecticides and pesticides.
Preserve our ozone layer.Earth without ozone is like a house without roof.Save the ozone
layer from depleting by implementing Eco Friendly methods.Save nature, make future.