What is Ozone?
Ozone is a gas composed of molecules formed by three oxygen atoms. Its molecular formula is O3. Ozone forms when sunlight hits oxygen (O2) molecules and breaks them down into individual atoms. These individual atoms then combine with O2 molecules and form O3 or ozone.
What is the Ozone layer?
The upper layer of Earth’s atmosphere, called the stratosphere, has a fairly high concentration of ozone molecules that are formed when the sun shines on oxygen molecules. This part of the atmosphere is called the ozone layer.
Why is the Ozone Layer Important?
Ozone molecules in the atmosphere provide us with important protection against the sun’s rays. More specifically, these molecules are good at absorbing some of the ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
How is the Ozone Layer getting damaged?
It turns out that certain types of molecules can cause chemical reactions when they come into contact with ozone molecules. This causes the ozone layer to break down and is unable to absorb ultraviolet rays. The main molecules that destroy the ozone layer are called chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chlorofluorocarbons are a group of chemicals that include only chlorine, fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen. They were first used as refrigerants to keep things cold. Many people consider CFCs to be miracle chemicals. Finally, they are used in a wide variety of products, including air conditioners, aerosols, fire extinguishers, and foam production.
Unfortunately, CFCs can eventually end up in Earth’s atmosphere and the ozone layer. Once there, they destroy ozone molecules and cause depletion or thinning of the ozone layer.
CFCs Get Banned
In 1974, scientists Sherry Rowland and Mario Molina discovered a link between ozone depletion and CFCs. CFCs were somewhat regulated, but it was not until 1987 that a new treaty was formed, known as the Montreal Protocol, to try to prevent the worldwide production and use of CFCs. CFCs were banned and completely phased out in developing countries in 2000.
Effects on Health
Because CFCs persist for so long, the ozone layer is likely to continue to thin for some time in the future. This will lead to an increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Skin cancer can be very dangerous. For this reason, you should always wear sunscreen to protect your skin when in the sun for long periods of time. Strong ultraviolet rays can also damage your eyes. You can protect them by wearing sunglasses.
What can we do about it?
There’s not much we can do about the CFCs that were released before the ban, but we can do a few things:
Old Refrigerator – If you have a refrigerator made before 1995, it may use CFC refrigerant. Get a new refrigerator and make sure you dispose of the old one properly.
Air Conditioners – Older air conditioners, manufactured before 1994, typically use a CFC called Freon. If you still have one, it’s time to throw it away and buy a new one. Even newer air conditioners use chemicals called HCFCs. While HCFCs are better for the ozone layer, they still contribute to ozone depletion, so try to use as few air conditioners as possible.
Foam – Many foam products contain CFCs. Try using different packaging materials, such as crumpled old newspapers.
Facts About the Ozone Layer
The word “ozone” means smell in Greek because the gas has a strong odor.
CFC molecules are very stable and can last up to 100 years. Unfortunately, this gives them plenty of time to find their way to the ozone layer.
One molecule of chlorine from a CFC can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules.
Ultraviolet rays can also be harmful to nature. They can destroy the plankton that is the main food source in the ocean food chain.