Causes And Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion That Are Painfully True.

The ozone layer is responsible for absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays, and preventing them from entering the Earth's atmosphere. However, various factors have led to the depletion and damage of this protective layer. Learn more about the process, causes, and effects of ozone layer depletion.

Formation of Ozone.

Ozone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere of the Earth. It is formed when oxygen molecules absorb ultraviolet photons, and undergo a chemical reaction known as photo dissociation or photolysis. In this process, a single molecule of oxygen breaks down into two oxygen atoms. The free oxygen atom (O), then combines with an oxygen molecule (O2), and forms a molecule of ozone (O3). The ozone molecules, in turn absorb ultraviolet rays between 310 to 200 nm (nanometers) wavelength, and thereby prevent these harmful radiations from entering the Earth's atmosphere.

The process of absorption of harmful radiation occurs when ozone molecules split up into a molecule of oxygen, and an oxygen atom. The oxygen atom (O), recombines with the oxygen molecule (O2) to regenerate an ozone (O3) molecule. Thus, the total amount of ozone is maintained by this continuous process of destruction, and regeneration.

Ozone layer depletion first captured the attention of the whole world in the latter half of 1970, and since then, a lot of research has been done to find its possible effects and causes. Various studies have been undertaken to find out possible solutions. Let us take a look at some of the causes and effects of ozone layer depletion.

Causes Of Ozone Depletion.

Production and Emission of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Ozone is a triatomic form of oxygen (O3), found in the Earth's atmosphere. A combination of low temperatures, elevated chlorine, and bromine concentrations in the upper stratosphere are responsible for the destruction of ozone. The production and emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), is the leading cause of ozone layer depletion. CFC's account for almost 80% of the total depletion of ozone.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Other ozone-depleting substances (ODS), include hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are often found in vehicle emissions, byproducts of industrial processes, refrigerants, and aerosols. ODS are relatively stable in the lower atmosphere of the Earth, but in the stratosphere, they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and thus, they break down to release a free chlorine atom.

Chlorine Monoxide (ClO).
This free chlorine atom reacts with an ozone molecule (O3), and forms chlorine monoxide (ClO), and a molecule of oxygen. Now, ClO reacts with an ozone molecule to form a chlorine atom, and two molecules of oxygen. The free chlorine molecule again reacts with ozone to form chlorine monoxide. The process continues, and this results in the depletion of the ozone layer.

Effects of Ozone Depletion.

As ozone depletes in the stratosphere, it forms a 'hole' in the layer. This hole enables harmful ultraviolet rays to enter the Earth's atmosphere. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are associated with a number of health-related, and environmental issues. Let us take a look at how ozone depletion affects different life forms.

Impact on Humans.

• Skin cancer: Exposure to ultraviolet rays poses an increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, and basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Eye damage: Direct exposure to UV radiations can result in photokeratitis (snow blindness), and cataracts.

• Immune system damage: Effects of UV rays include impairment of the immune system. Increased exposure to UV rays weakens the response of the immune system.

• Accelerated aging of skin: Constant exposure to UV radiation can cause photo allergy, which results in the outbreak of rashes in fair-skinned people.

• Other effects: Ozone chemicals can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, throat irritation, and hamper lung functioning.

Effects on Amphibians.

• Ozone depletion is listed as one of the causes for the declining numbers of amphibian species. Ozone depletion affects many species at every stage of their life cycle. Some of the effects are mentioned below.

• Hampers growth and development in larvae

• Changes behavior and habits

• Causes deformities in some species

• Decreases immunity. Some species have become more vulnerable to diseases and death

• Retinal damage and blindness in some species.

Impact on Plants.
In some species of plants, UV radiation can alter the time of flowering, as well as the number of flowers produced by a plant.

Plant growth can be directly affected by UV-B radiation. Despite mechanisms to reduce or repair these effects, physiological and developmental processes of plants are affected.

Other Effects.
Another observation is an increase in the ozone present in the lower atmosphere due to the decrease in the ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone present in the lower atmosphere is regarded as a pollutant and a greenhouse gas, that can contribute to global warming and climate change.

However, studies have pointed out that the lifespan of lower atmospheric ozone is quite less, compared to stratospheric ozone. At the same time, increase in the level of ozone in the lower atmosphere can enhance the ability of sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, which can be regarded as an important beneficial effect of ozone layer depletion.

Growing concern for ozone depletion led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in order to reduce and control industrial emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Such international agreements have succeeded to a great extent in reducing the emission of these compounds.

However, more cooperation and understanding among all the peoplesis required to solve the problem completely. You too can do your bit to save the ozone. Use/buy more recycled products, save energy, use public transport, and most importantly, spread awareness. Our individual efforts can go a long way in saving the Earth's blanket.