How does ozone depletion happen?

            The ozone layer is a delicate and sensitive region. Various factors contribute to the breaking down and depletion of the ozone concentrations in the layer. The destruction of the ozone shield will result in the sun’s harmful rays sifting through the resultant holes.

            In the mid-1980s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was being depleted gradually. The main cause of this, they concluded, was the release of chemicals called Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. CFCs are used in industry in a variety of ways and have been amazingly useful in many products. Discovered in the 1930s by American chemist Thomas Midgley, CFCs came to be used in aerosol propellants, refrigerators, home insulation, plastic foam, and throwaway food containers. However, when they escaped to the atmosphere, they adversely affected the ozone particles.

            When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, strong winds can carry them up into the stratosphere where UV rays break them apart, releasing chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom can attack, and break apart as many as 100,000 ozone molecules during the time it is in the stratosphere. The chlorine from CFCs reduces the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. CFCs also warm the earth’s atmosphere and thus can bring about climate changes all over the planet.

Why does the depletion of the ozone layer pose a danger to us?

                     Man has been instrumental in the gradual deterioration of the ozone layer. When the ozone region is exposed to CFCs, holes are formed in the ozone shield. Through these holes, ultraviolet and other harmful rays of the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere.

                    Even an apparently negligible corrosion of the ozone layer is harmful to us. Every time a small area of the ozone layer is damaged, more ultraviolet light from the sun can reach the earth. One of the most harmful consequences of ozone depletion is that it can cause skin cancer because of the exposure to UV rays. Some researchers say that a tattered ozone layer will also increase the rate of malaria.

                    The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The life cycle of plants will change as their food chain is disrupted. Oceans will be hit hard as well. The most basic microscopic organisms such as plankton may not be able to survive if the ozone layer is depleted. The planet’s climate could be adversely affected, as rising heat would alter wind patterns resulting in climate changes throughout the world.

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