Depletion of ozone layer

Ozone is a triatomic gas formed of three atoms of oxygen.

Ozone layer is present at the height of 15 km to 60 km in the upper atmosphere.
On the ground level, ozone gas is very poisonous but at higher levels in the atmosphere, ozone
layer is especially important for the existence of life on earth

Ozone layer absorbs the ultraviolet radiations of the Sun and prevent them from reaching the
earth. These radiations have extremely harmful effect on human beings, animals and plants. For
example, these radiations can cause skin cancer. They damage the eyes by causing cataract.

Ultraviolet rays also damage our immune system by lowering body's resistance to diseases.
The ozone layer protects us from damaging effects of UV radiations. It also destroys plants and
decreases photosynthesis up to 20%

Formation of Ozone Layer

Ozone is formed in the upper atmosphere (in stratosphere) by the action of ultraviolet radiations
from the sun.

High energy ultraviolet radiations split oxygen molecules into free oxygen atoms (O)

These free oxygen atoms combine with oxygen molecules to form ozone molecule.

It has now been found that the amount of ozone in the atmosphere is getting depleted. Due to this
ozone layer is getting thinner day by day.
The depletion of the ozone layer is due to the use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halons.

These chemicals are used in refrigeration, fire extinguishers and aerosols.

When released in the air, CFCs destroy the ozone layer gradually and make it thinner. This
allows more UV radiation reaching the earth.

.Measures to Protect Ozone Layer

Efforts are being carried out at international level to protect ozone layer and maintain it at least at
the level it has reached if we cannot restore it .
Montreal protocol was prepared by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1987.
An agreement was reached among industrialized nations to limit the production and use of CFCs
to have the level of 1986.

To Discuss
Q1. What is ozone? What is its importance? Mention the efforts taken to protect it.
Q2. How is ozone formed in the higher level of atmosphere?
Q3. The damage to ozone layer is a cause of concern. Justify the statement