Ozone Layer

Definition of Ozone layer

The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains high concentrations of
ozone and protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.

Ozone layer is a deep layer in earth’s atmosphere that contain ozone which is a naturally occurring
molecule containing three oxygen atoms. These ozone molecules form a gaseous layer in the
Earth’s upper atmosphere called stratosphere. This lower region of stratosphere containing
relatively higher concentration of ozone is called Ozonosphere. The ozonosphere is found 15-35
km (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth. The average concentration of ozone in the
atmosphere is around 0.6 parts per million. The thickness of the ozone layer differs as per season
and geography. The highest concentrations of ozone occur at altitudes from 26 to 28 km (16 to 17
miles) in the tropics and from 12 to 20 km (7 to 12 miles) towards the poles.

The ozone layer forms a thick layer in stratosphere, encircling the earth, that has large amount of
ozone in it. It protects our planet i.e. Earth from the harmful radiations that comes from the sun.
The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations
that sun emit and which can produce long term devastating effects on humans beings as well as
plants and animals.

Why is Ozone Layer Necessary?

An essential property of ozone molecule is its ability to block solar radiations of wavelengths less
than 290 nanometers from reaching Earth’s surface. In this process, it also absorbs ultraviolet
radiations that are dangerous for most living beings. UV radiation could injure or kill life on Earth.
Though the absorption of UV radiations warms the stratosphere but it is important for life to
flourish on planet Earth. Research scientists have anticipated disruption of susceptible terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems due to depletion of ozone layer.

Ultraviolet radiation could destroy the organic matter. Plants and plankton cannot thrive, both acts
as food for land and sea animals, respectively. For humans, excessive exposure to ultraviolet
radiation leads to higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts. It is calculated that
every 1 percent decrease in ozone layer results in a 2-5 percent increase in the occurrence of skin
cancer. Other ill-effects of the reduction of protective ozone layer include – increase in the
incidence of cataracts, sunburns and suppression of the immune system.
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.

Causes of Ozone layer Depletion

During the last several decades, human activities have resulted in considerable reduction in the
ozone layer of the atmosphere. Ozone depletion occurs when destruction of the stratospheric ozone
is more than the production of the molecule. The scientists have observed reduction in stratospheric
ozone since early 1970s. It is found to be more prominent in Polar Regions.

Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer: Ozone layer has been found to be affected by certain
natural phenomena such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been found to cause
not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be only
temporary. It is also believed that the major volcanic eruptions (mainly El Chichon in 1983 and
and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991) has also contributed towards ozone depletion.

Man-made causes of depletion of ozone layer: The main cause for the depletion of ozone is
determined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, CH 3CCl3 (Methyl chloroform),
CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons), hydrobromofluorocarbons and
methyl bromide are found to have direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. These are
categorized as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Chlorofluorocarbons are released into the
atmosphere due to:

• Cleaning Agents
• Coolants in refrigerators
• Packing material
• Air conditioning
• Aerosol spray cans etc.

The problem with the Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) is that they are not washed back in the
form of rain on the earth and in-fact remain in the atmosphere for quite a long time. With so much
stability, they are transported into the stratosphere. The emission of ODS account for roughly 90%
of total depletion of ozone layer in stratosphere. These gases are carried to the stratosphere layer
of atmosphere where ultraviolet radiations from the sun break them to release chlorine (from
CFCs) and bromine (from methyl bromide and halons). The chlorine and bromine free radicals
react with ozone molecule and destroy their molecular structure, thus depleting the ozone layer.
One chlorine atom can break more than 1, 00,000 molecules of ozone. Bromine atom is believed
to be 40 times more destructive than chlorine molecules.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

Definition

Ozone depleting substances are the substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon
tetrachloride, hydrofluorocarbons, etc. that are responsible for the depletion of ozone layer.

Main Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

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 Solvent cleaning, fire extinguishers, solvent cleaning

• Chlorofluorocarbons: Account for more than 80% of ozone depletion. Used in freezers, air
cooling component, dry-cleaning agents, hospital sterilants.
• Methyl Chloroform: Used for vapour degreasing, some aerosols, cold cleaning, adhesives
and chemical processing.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons: Substitutes for CFC’s but still play a vital role in ozone
depletion.
• Halons
• Carbon Tetrachloride: Mainly used in fire extinguishers
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

The humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiations 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 a weakened immune system.

Effects on Animals

Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in domestic animals.

Effects on Agriculture, Forestry and natural ecosystem

Strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering and photosynthesis in plants.
Several of the world’s major crop species are particularly vulnerable to increased UV, resulting in
reduced growth, photosynthesis and flowering. These species include wheat, rice, barley, oats,
corn, soybeans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots.
The forests also have to bear the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

Effects on Marine Life

Planktons (tiny organisms in the surface layer of oceans) are greatly affected by the exposure to
harmful ultraviolet rays. Planktons are the first vital step in aquatic food chains. Decreases in
plankton could disrupt the fresh and salt water food chain.

Species of marine animals in their development stage (e.g. young fish, shrimp larvae and crab
larvae) have been threatened in recent years by the increased UV radiation.

Loss of biodiversity in our oceans, rivers and lakes reduce fish yields for commercial and sport
fisheries.

Effects on Materials

Wood, plastic, rubber, fabrics and many construction materials are degraded by UV radiation.
The economic impact of replacing /or protecting materials could be significant.
Solution 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 Pesticides

Natural methods should be implemented to get rid of pests and weeds instead of using chemicals.
One can use eco-friendly chemicals to remove the pests or remove the weeds manually.

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 minimized 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.