What is the ozone layer

The ozone layer is the thinnest part of the atmosphere. It is a part of the stratosphere at an altitude of
around 10 km (about 6.21 mi). It is made up of a high concentration of ozone, which is a highly reactive
gas because it contains three molecules instead of two. The ozone layer protects us from the harmful
ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun.

What causes the depletion of the ozone layer

There are several reasons for the depleting ozone layer, but the main reason is because of human
production causing the release of CFCs. Products like refrigerators release artificial ozone depleting
chemicals. These chemicals are Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs break apart when exposed to UVB radiation
releasing chlorine which then reacts and depletes the ozone. Come from discarded refrigerators,
aerosols and solvents.), Nitrous compounds (comes from thermonuclear weapons, agricultural fertilizer,
and industrial emissions) and bromine compounds (is 100 times more destructive to the ozone layer
than chlorine and comes from fire extinguishers.

Where is this happening

The depletion of the ozone layer is happening around the earth since the ozone layer is a part of earth's
atmosphere. The hot spot for ozone depletion is over the southern hemisphere/Antartica with the
largest ozone hole in the atmosphere.

Timeline

The depletion of the ozone layer began around 1980 when CFCs were used in the majority of
refrigerators and other household items. The depletion steadily got worse until --- when the world came
together to sign the Montreal Protocol and it was put into effect.

Negative effects

While the ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the reason, we survive too much of it can lead to
detrimental health effects to all organisms on earth. Therefore, the depletion of the ozone layer has
reason to cause worry. When it comes to the effect on humans' health the main area for concern is with
non-melanoma skin cancer as well malignant melanoma development. Malignant melanoma is a
neoplasm (abnormal growth of tissue) of melanocyte (melanin forming cell). This can then spread to the
dermis and spread to other sites in the body, deadly. The increase in UV radiation also causes cataracts
which are clouding in the eyes. The increase in UV radiation also affects us through plants. While the
effects on plants vary depending on the species it is the physiological process meaning the living
functions of the plants, for example photosynthesis or respiration. It can even alter the very make up of
plants. Plankton is affected by UV rays. When the plankton is destroyed it affects the whole food chain.

Complexity of the problem

While most of the ozone depleting chemicals have been phased out there are still some in circulation
that are widely used. Though the increase of the damage has stopped there is still a giant ozone hole
over Antartica, and it is the 13 largest ozone hole ever recorded so that will take time to fully recover.

The Montreal protocol

The Montreal Protocol has successfully stopped the increase in the depletion of the ozone layer. In 1987
countries gathered in Montreal to sign an international treaty to stop the depletion of the ozone layer
which threatened life on earth. As well as helping the world with the fight against climate change. It
regulates production and consumption of more than 100 substances that deplete the ozone layer.

How to solve the problem

Well the Montreal protocol has stopped the major threat of the depleting ozone layer there is still more
that can be done. Most ozone chemicals are banned but some are still in circulation and should be
avoided. Also minimizing the use of vehicles will help the ozone layer because vehicle emissions contain
chlorine and bromine substances. One of the ozone depleting substances still circulation is Nitrous Oxide
and is currently the dominant ozone depleting substances that is unregulated by the Montreal protocol