Ozone Layer and Its Depletion: Be Cautious !

Table of Contents

Key Concepts of Ozone Depletion:

Simply, ozone depletion is the depletion or deterioration of ozone layer, the layer which is found in the lower portion of the stratosphere (0 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) above the earth).
Ozone layer is very important for human health and other living beings as it protects living beings from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Ozone depletion, steady thinning of Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere initiated by the discharge of chemical combinations comprising gaseous chlorine or bromine from commercial areas and other human actions.
Ozone depletion is a main environmental problem as it rises the expanse of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that spreads earth’s exterior, which intensifies the rate of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system impairment.

Ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs a portion of the radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the planet’s surface.
It absorbs the portion of UV light called UVB. It prevents from many harmful effects to human beings, crops and marine animals.

Ozone depletion happens when the natural stability between the creation and obliteration of stratospheric ozone is tilted in favor of obliteration. Though natural occurrences can cause short-term ozone loss, chlorine and bromine on the loose from fabricated compounds such as CFCs are now believed as the main reason for this depletion.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Man-made CFCs are the main cause of stratospheric ozone depletion.
Man-made halocarbon refrigerator
Other ozone layer depleting substances like propellants and solvents
Ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloethane; Nitric oxide, chlorine radical and bromine radical

1. Effect on Humans

Skin deterioration
Skin cancer: Investigation approves that high levels of UV Rays cause non-melanoma skin cancer. (Non-melanoma cancer is the most common form of skin cancer which damages skin’s DNA). Moreover, it plays a key role in malignant melanoma progress. UV is also associated with cataracts.
Skin evoked rash
Immune inhibition
Cataracts

2. Effects on plants

Plant growth, on top of its biological and developing processes, is all affected adversely.
These contain the plant formation process, the period of progress and evolution, circulation of plant nutrients and metabolic rate, etc.

3. Effects on marine (or water) Ecosystems

Phytoplankton form the groundwork of aquatic food webs. These typically grow nearby the surface of the water, where there are sufficient sunbeams.
Variations in UV levels are identified to upset the growth and progression of phytoplankton, and certainly, the fish that nourish them.

4. Effects on Biogeochemical Cycles

Increases in UVB radiation affects terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical cycles.
The power of greater UV radiation level affects the natural stability of gasses (and greenhouse gases) in the biosphere: e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl sulfide (COS) and ozone.
Fluctuations in UV levels can result in biosphere-atmosphere feedback causing to the arrangement of an atmospheric buildup of these gases.

1. Control private vehicle driving

Vehicular emissions ultimately cause the discharge of smog. This in order also damages the ozone layer affecting it to depreciate. Therefore, it is suggested to shift to an electric or hybrid vehicle to avoid harmful emission of gases.

2. Practice eco-friendly household cleaning products

The practice of eco-friendly and natural cleaning products for household tasks is a great technique to inhibit ozone depletion, as many of these cleaning products hold lethal substances that affect the ozone layer.

3. Dodge practicing pesticides and stop ozone depletion

Pesticides might be an easy way out for getting free of weed, however, are destructive for the ozone layer. The preeminent resolution for this would be to try consuming natural medications, instead of heading out for pesticides. Otherwise, go for Urban Aero farming that involves a lesser amount of water, less space and little to no volume of pesticides.

4. Increasing rigorous regulations for rocket launches

As we headway on numerous technical discoveries, the necessity of the hour also involves individuals to travel out of space. The sum of rocket launches has improved significantly. This in order is similarly detrimental to the ozone layer in several ways. A study displays that the damage instigated by rocket launches would overtake the damage triggered because of CFCs.

5. Prohibition the use of dangerous nitrous oxide

In the late 70’s the data mentioned in the study visibly mentioned out in the direction of the disturbing rate of how the ozone layer was being washed-out. Governments across the world would take a solid outlook for exclusion the practice of this destructive compound to protect the ozone layer.

6. Tree plantation etc.