1. What is ozone layer and why is it important?

The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs a portion of the radiation from
the sun, preventing it from reaching the planet's surface. Most importantly, it
absorbs the portion of UV light called UVB. UVB is a kind of ultraviolet
light from the sun (and sun lamps) that has several harmful effects.

2. What are the causes of ozone layer depletion?

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.

3. How does ozone layer depletion affect human’s health, other

organisms and the environment?

Ozone depletion can cause increased amounts of UV radiation to reach the

Earth which can lead to more cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired
immune systems. Too much exposure to UV is believed to be contributing to
the increase in melanoma, the most fatal of all skin cancers.

4. What are CFCs and how do they contribute to ozone layer depletion?

An example is CFC-12 (CCI2F2), used as a refrigerant in refrigerators and

air conditioners and as a foam blowing agent. Gaseous CFCs can deplete the
ozone layer when they slowly rise into the stratosphere, are broken down by
strong ultraviolet radiation, release chlorine atoms, and then react with
ozone molecules.

5. How does depletion of the ozone layer affect the global warming?
 Changes in ozone and climate are directly linked because ozone absorbs
solar radiation and is also a greenhouse gas. Stratospheric ozone depletion
leads to surface cooling, while the observed increases in tropospheric ozone
and other greenhouse gases lead to surface warming.

6. How long does it take for the ozone layer to recover once damaging
substances have been reduced?

If current policies remain in place, the ozone layer is expected to recover

to 1980 values (before the appearance of the ozone hole) by around 2066
over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic and by 2040 for the rest of the
world.

7. What measures have been taken globally to address 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.

Minimize 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
minimized at the individual level as well.