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EVM - Ozone Layer Depletion

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Berfin Terlo
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47 views4 pages

EVM - Ozone Layer Depletion

Uploaded by

Berfin Terlo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is an Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere. It has
the potential to absorb around 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming
from the sun that can damage life on earth. If the ozone layer was absent, millions of
people would develop skin diseases and may have weakened immune systems.

However, scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. This
has focussed their concern on various environmental issues and steps to control
them. The main reasons for the ozone hole are chlorofluorocarbons, carbon
tetrachloride, methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Let us have a detailed look at the various causes and effects of ozone layer
depletion.

Ozone Layer Depletion


“Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer in the
upper atmosphere caused due to the release of chemical compounds
containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other human
activities.”

What is Ozone Layer Depletion?


Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper
atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere
come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine can
destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is created.

Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high ultraviolet light,
which then contributes to ozone layer depletion. Such compounds are known as
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include chlorofluorocarbon,


carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform. Whereas,
the ozone-depleting substances that contain bromine are halons, methyl bromide,
and hydro bromofluorocarbons.

Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting substance. It is only


when the chlorine atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not react with
ozone.

Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of
ozone-depleting substances and minimise their concentration in the atmosphere to
protect the ozone layer of the earth.

Also Read: Environmental Issues

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion


Ozone layer depletion is a major concern and is associated with a number of factors.
The main causes responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are listed below:

Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These
are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc.

The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by


ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react with ozone and
destroy it.

Unregulated Rocket Launches


Researches say that the unregulated launching of rockets results in much more
depletion of the ozone layer than the CFCs do. If not controlled, this might result in a
huge loss of the ozone layer by the year 2050.

Nitrogenous Compounds
The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible for the
depletion of the ozone layer.

Natural Causes
The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural processes such as
Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause more than 1-2% of the
ozone layer depletion.

The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)


“Ozone-depleting substances are the substances such as
chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, hydrofluorocarbons, etc.
that are responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.”
Following is the list of some main ozone-depleting substances and the sources from
where they are released:

Ozone-Depleting Substances Sources

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Refrigerators, air-conditioners, solvents, dry-cleaning agents, etc.


Halons Fire-extinguishers
Carbon tetrachloride Fire extinguishers, solvents
Methyl chloroform Adhesives, aerosols
Hydrofluorocarbons fire extinguishers, air-conditioners, solvents
Also Read: Global Warming

Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion


The depletion of the ozone layer has harmful effects on the environment. Let us see
the major effects of ozone layer depletion on man and environment.

Effects on Human Health


Humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun due to
the depletion of the ozone layer. This might result in serious health issues among
humans, such as skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick ageing and weak
immune system.

Effects on Animals
Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in animals.

Effects on the Environment


Strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering and photosynthesis in
plants. The forests also have to bear the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

Effects on Marine Life


Planktons are greatly affected by the exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. These are
higher in the aquatic food chain. If the planktons are destroyed, the organisms
present in the food chain are also affected.

Solutions to Ozone Layer Depletion


The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious issue and various programmes have
been launched by the government of various countries to prevent it. However, steps
should be taken at the individual level as well to prevent the depletion of the ozone
layer.

Following are some points that would help in preventing this problem at a global
level:

Avoid Using ODS


Reduce the use of ozone depleting substances. E.g. avoid the use of CFCs in
refrigerators and air conditioners, replacing the halon based fire extinguishers, etc.

Minimise the Use of Vehicles


The vehicles emit a large amount of greenhouse gases that lead to global warming
as well as ozone depletion. Therefore, the use of vehicles should be minimised as
much as possible.

Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products


Most of the cleaning products have chlorine and bromine releasing chemicals that
find a way into the atmosphere and affect the ozone layer. These should be
substituted with natural products to protect the environment.

Use of Nitrous Oxide should be Prohibited


The government should take actions and prohibit the use of harmful nitrous oxide
that is adversely affecting the ozone layer. People should be made aware of the
harmful effects of nitrous oxide and the products emitting the gas so that its use is
minimised at the individual level as well.

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