OZONE LAYERS AND EFFECTS OF ITS DEPLETION

OZONE is a tri atomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odour, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting and deodorizing.

OZONE LAYER is a layer of the earth's upper atmosphere that is characterized by high ozone content which blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from reaching the lower atmosphere.

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION is simply the wearing out ( reduction) of the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.
Industries that manufacture things like insulating foams, solvents, soaps, cooling things like air conditioners, refrigerators and 'take-away' containers use something called Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs). These substances are heavier than air, but over time (2-5years), they are carried high into the stratosphere by wind action.
Depletion begins when CFCs get into the stratosphere. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks up these CFCs thereby releasing chlorine atoms which inturn reacts with ozone, starting a chemical cycle that destroys the good ozone in that area.

EFFECTS OF OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
a) Exposure of humans to UV-B radiation causes the type of skin cancer called non- melanoma.
b) Exposure to Ultraviolet light reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.

EFFECTS ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Ultra-violet radiation leads to the loss of phytoplankton, which is the basis of the marine food chain.

EFFECTS ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
FOR ANIMALS;
Studies have shown that an increase in UV-B radiation leads to formation of skin cancer in animals like goats, cows, cats, dogs, sheep and laboratory animals.
FOR PLANTS;
Damage plant growth.
Reduce tree growth.
Alter its shape.
Change flowering times.
Make plants more vulnerable to disease.
Produce toxic substances.
There could be losses of biodiversity and
species.

                       SOLUTION

a) Replace halon- based fire extinguishers with others using foam.
b) Check on the label of the products, which we buy at the supemarket to report that they do not damage the ozone layer.
c) Use your car only when necessary.
d) Do not buy refrigerators or air-condition equipment that use CFCs as refrigerant.
e) Do not use sprays, and do not buy objects made of plastic foam.