Ozone Layer Deterioration

What is the Ozone Layer?

The Ozone layer is a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that blocks most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Ozone depletion is when certain gases are released into the atmosphere which breakdown ozone molecules in the ozone layer. This causes a depletion of the amount of ozone molecules and allows more ultraviolet radiation to seep through the atmosphere.

What causes Ozone Depletion?

Human activities are the main source of Ozone depletion. Gases released by man made objects such as cars, factories, refrigerants, and aerosol spray cans damage the ozone layer. Greenhouse gases also damage the ozone layer by creating a heat and cold dynamic between the stratosphere and the troposphere. This dynamic traps heat and creates a cooling effect in the stratosphere, leading to ozone loss.

Why is this a problem?

An increase in ultraviolet radiation is unhealthy for life on Earth. When Ultraviolet waves hit an organism, such as a human, it can destroy DNA of the cells. These mutated cells can then multiply and lead to defects in an organism, such as a tumor or skin cancer in humans. In plants, this radiation can impact photosynthesis negatively, which indirectly affects ecosystems.

Solutions

Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer, due to their content or manufacturing process. Some of the most dangerous gases are CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halogenated hydrocarbon, methyl bromide and nitrous oxide.
Minimize the use of cars. The best transport option is urban, bicycle, or walking. If you use a car to a destination, try to carpool with others to decrease the use of cars in order to pollute less and save.
Do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and to us. Many cleaning products contain solvents and substances corrosive, but you can replace these dangerous substances with non-toxic products such as vinegar or bicarbonate.
Buy local products. In this way, you not only get fresh products but you avoid consuming food that has traveled long distances. As the more distance traveled, the more nitrous oxide is produced due to the medium used to transport that product.

5. Maintain air conditioners, as their malfunctions cause CFC to escape into the atmosphere.