What is Ozone Depletion?

What causes Ozone Depletion?

What are the effects of Ozone Depletion?
What can we do?
Definition:
Ozone depletion is a phenomenon where the layer(s) of ozone gas that protects the
Earths surface from harmful ultra-violet rays are being diminished and destroyed
because of an over-abundance of ozone destroying catalysts such as
chlorofluorocarbons. These catalysts, more often than not, come from unnatural
sources, specifically human industrial activity.
Causes:
Ozone is destroyed by free radical catalysts like hydroxyl radical (OH.), Nitric Oxide
radical (NO.), Chlorine Atom (Cl.) and Bromine Atom (Br.). Although all these have
both natural and man-made sources, human activity has dramatically increased
their levels, specifically those of chlorine and bromine. Making rapid ozone depletion
the fault of humans.
Effects:
Ozone gas in the ozone layer is responsible for absorbing the harmful shortwave
ultra-violet radiation of the sun. Its depletion could mean:
Serious Harm to Human and Animal Health
Both humans and animals can develop skin and eye diseases as well
as suffer weakening of their immune systems due to overexposure to
uv radiation
Serious negative effects on natural ecosystems
Serious effects on the food chain
Human agriculture is adversely affected
Adverse effects on plankton levels (first step in the marine food chain)
and as a consequence on marine life.
Material degradation
Materials such as wood, plastic, rubber, fabric, and many more are
degraded by UV radiation. The cost of replacing and/or protecting them
is significant.
What Can We Do:
As individuals:
Educate ourselves about the Ozone layer and ozone depletion

We should stop using equipment, such as old refrigerators and old air
conditioning units, that make use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Do not buy or use portable fire extinguishers that contain halons.
As a country:
Regulate or outright ban Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) such as
CFCS and Halons
Increase awareness of Ozone Depletion
Fund ozone depletion research initiatives