Ozone Depletion

Ozone Depletion

Without our atmosphere there would be no life on the earth. A relatively thin envelope, the atmosphere consists of layers of gases that support life and provide protection from harmful radiation. Ozone is the part of the stratosphere in which the gas O3 is the most concentrated. The ozone layer shields the earth from the normal effects of so far ultraviolent radiation but can be decomposed by complex chemical reactions, notably involved chlorofluorocarbons used as the pressurised propellant in some aero of sprays in refrigeration systems and in the production of foam packaging. But atmospheric ozone layer depletion is a serious problem currently facing the world. The ozone layer protects humans, animals and plants from harmful ultraviolent radiation. Money and time are being spent on ozone repair but the problem still exists.

The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere containing ozone. The ozone layer is essential from both plant and animal life on earth because it protects the surface from dangerous ultraviolent radiation. However, the industrial and domestic chemicals that are currently in use have been found to destroy ozone layer and the problem has intensified to an ozone layer ‘hole’ above Antarctica. Ozone levels there are 40% below normal, and there may be another ozone hole forming above the Arctic region.

Recently a number of chemicals have been found to aid in the rapid destruction of ozone. Most of these chemicals are compounds called chlorofluorocarbons. It is difficult to ban them out rightly because they have many industrial uses. Chlorofluorocarbons are widely used because they are non-toxic, non-flammable and inexpensive. Recent environment laws on both the state and national levels have banned the use of some chlorofluorocarbons but the question of their disposal still remains. Chlorofluorocarbons however do not destroy ozone directly.

The result of ozone layer depletion is an increase in ultraviolent radiation at the surface. Humans, animals, marine life and plants are all vulnerable to ultraviolent radiation damage. High ultraviolent radiation concentration causes phytoplankton, microscopic organisms at the base of the food chain to decrease their reproductive activity.

There is no obvious solution of the ozone layer problem. It has been estimated that if chlorofluorocarbons production ceased today, people living 70 years from now would still have to deal with its effects. Also, conflicts between industrialists and environmentalists in government have prevented sufficient chlorofluorocarbons blocking legislation from being fully effective. If the ozone layer can be repaired, it will take a massive effort by the people and government to make it successful.