Depletion of the ozone layer

Ozone layer

The ozone layer is a natural layer of gas in the upper atmosphere,

which protects humans and other living things from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Although ozone is present throughout the atmosphere in small

concentrations, its highest concentration (around 90%) occurs in
the stratosphere, a layer 10 to 50 km above the earth's surface.
The ozone layer filters most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet
radiation, making it crucial for life on Earth.

Depletion of the ozone layer

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was

depleting.

Ozone concentrations in the atmosphere vary naturally as a

function of temperature, meteorological conditions, latitude and
altitude, while substances expelled by natural phenomena, such as
volcanic eruptions, can also affect levels of ozone.

However, these natural phenomena could not explain the observed

levels of depletion, and scientific data showed that the cause lay in
certain man-made chemicals. These ozone-depleting substances
were introduced primarily in the 1970s in a wide range of consumer
and industrial applications, most notably in refrigerators, air
conditioners, and fire extinguishers.

Effects of ozone layer depletion on humans and the environment

The depletion of the ozone layer causes an increase in the levels of

ultraviolet radiation on the earth's surface, which is detrimental to
human health.
Negative effects include increased cases of certain types of skin
cancer, cataracts, and immune disorders. UV radiation also affects
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, by altering growth, food
chains, and biochemical cycles. Aquatic organisms just below the
surface of the water, the base of the food chain, suffer especially
the adverse effects of high levels of UV radiation. Ultraviolet rays
also affect plant growth and reduce agricultural productivity.