HOLY CROSS COLLEGE OF CALINAN, INC.

CALINAN DAVAO CITY

OZONE DEPLETION

Aquino, Jafkris Angelo M.

Dela Cruz, Princess Bea O.
Libardos, Nice S.
Saycon, Teejay T.

OCTOBER 2023
 Protecting our planet is not an option, it’s a responsibility. The gradual thinning of the
ozone layer is called ozone depletion. Ozone depletion, commonly referred to as the ozone hole,
is a slow loss of ozone in the upper atmosphere that is brought on by human activity and the
production of chemicals containing gaseous chlorine or bromine (Wuebbles, 2023). A part of the
sun’s radiation is absorbed into the ozone layer in the stratosphere, preventing it from entering
our planet’s surface. In short, it filters a part of the UV light known as UVB. UVB (Ultraviolet
B) is associated with a wide range of undesirable effects, among them skin cancer, contracts and
impacts on some crops and marine life. To record the normal level of ozone during natural
cycles, scientists have established records over several decades. The ozone concentration in the
atmosphere is also subject to changes due to sunspots and seasons latitude. There is a good deal
of understanding and predictability in these processes. The natural reductions in ozone
concentrations were followed by recovery. Scientific evidence began to emerge in the 1970s
showing a depletion of ozone protection, which goes much further than natural processes (Basic
Ozone Layer Sciences, 2021). Ozone depletion awareness includes its causes, effects, and ways
to mitigate it.

The mass of stratospheric chlorine comes from man-made substances called

chlorofluorocarbons or cfcs. Cfcs, which are commonly used in refrigerators and air
conditioners, are relatively harmless and non-reactive in the lower atmosphere. They can survive
the 5-year journey to the upper stratosphere. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation breaks down the
chlorofluorocarbon into the more reactive chlorine compounds that destroy ozone. Chlorine can
react with methane to form hydrogen chloride and it can also react with ozone, resulting in the
formation of chlorine monoxide. Chlorine monoxide reacts with radical nitrogen dioxide to form
stable chlorine nitrate. For the chlorine radical, chlorine nitrate and hydrogen chloride are called
reservoir gases. In the lower stratosphere, these reservoir gases usually contain more than ninety
percent of chlorine (Williams, 2023). Through human activity, chemicals containing chlorine and
bromine atoms are released into the atmosphere. These compounds create an ozone layer
reaction and lead to the destruction of ozone molecules by combining with some weather
conditions (The Ozone Layer, 2018).
 As the main cause of depletion, humans' activities such as CFCs continue to be accepted.
Chlorine and bromine are present in all ozone depleting substances. Due to their high volatility
and lack of combustibility, CFCs easily reach the stratosphere where ozone is prevalent, where
they begin to deplete ozone molecules (Anwar, Azam, Chaudhry, Nazeer, & Zaman, 2016).
Some natural processes, such as large volcanic eruptions, can have an indirect effect on ozone
levels. For example, Mt. Pinatubo's 1991 eruption did not increase stratospheric chlorine
concentrations, but it did produce large amounts of tiny particles called aerosols (different from
consumer products also known as aerosols). These aerosols increase chlorine's effectiveness at
destroying ozone. The aerosols in the stratosphere create a surface on which CFC-based chlorine
can destroy ozone. However, the effect from volcanoes is short-lived (Basic Ozone Layer
Sciences, 2021).

Depletion of the ozone layer results in increased UVB reaching Earth's surface.
Laboratory and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that UVB causes Nonmelanoma Skin
Cancer, plays a significant role in the development of malignant melanoma. UVB has been
associated with cataract development, clouding of the eye lens. It is of particular importance to
protect your skin and eyes against the sun because all rays have some UVB, even though they do
not contain a standard level of ozone in the stratosphere. Phytoplankton are a basis for the
oceans' food webs. The productivity of phytoplankton is limited in the euphotic zone, upper layer
of the water column that has sufficient sunlight to support net production. It was demonstrated
that both orientation and motility of phytoplankton are affected by exposure to sun UVB
radiation, which results in lower survival rates for these organisms. As a result of the depletion of
the ozone layer, scientists have shown a direct decrease in the production of phytoplankton due
to an increase in UVB. UVB radiation has been detected to have damaged the very earliest
developmental stages of fish, shrimp, crabs, amphibians, and other aquatic animals. A reduction
in reproductive capacity and a decline in larval development are among the more serious effects.
If UVB exposure were to be slightly increased, it could lead to population loss for little
organisms that have an impact on the entire ocean food chain (Health and Environment Effects
of Ozone Depletion 2023). Plants and ecosystems are also harmed by ground level or "bad"
ozone. This results in reduced yields of crops and commercial forests, reduced growth and
survival of tree roots, increased susceptibility to diseases, pests, and other stresses, such as harsh
weather. Ground Ozone levels are also responsible for a million-dollar reduction of crop yields
in the US alone each year (Ozone, n.d).

Minimize the use of cars when transporting. Most cars aren't designed to help the
environment. Moreover, research shows that emissions from vehicles cause 72% of nitrogen
oxide and 52% of reactive hydrocarbons to be released into the atmosphere which causes serious
damage to the ozone layer. In addition, according to the statistics, transport accounts for almost
30 % of total CO2 emissions in the European Union with 72% coming from road transport (Five
Ways to Protect the Ozone Layer, n.d). Instead of using cars, try to use bicycles or try to walk. If
your destination is far away, try to carpool with others to lessen the use of cars, pollute less, and
save (5 ways to protect the Ozone Layer, 2018). Buy products that are not harmful to our planet
and us. In several markets, it is possible to find products labeled “ozone friendly” or “toxic free”.
That indicates the product is not harmful to the ozone layer. Various products are available today
- from inhalers and printers through balloons and satellites for measuring atmospheric
greenhouse gases to fire extinguishers that do not damage the ozone (Five Ways to Protect the
Ozone Layer, n.d). Buy aerosol products that do not use hcfcs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) or
cfcs as propellants. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and
refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage (Ozone Layer Protection,
2023).

In conclusion, raising awareness about ozone depletion encompasses understanding its

causes, comprehending its effects, and exploring strategies to mitigate its impact. Ozone
depletion is a serious environmental issue that requires our immediate attention.
Chlorofluorocarbons are a major cause of ozone depletion, and they can also happen because of
human activities such as the release of CFCs. It is also claimed that the ozone depletion may be
caused by naturally occurring elements, such as volcanic eruptions. Ozone depletion has a
significant impact on health, in humans, animals, as well as the environment.

Ozone depletion allows for an increased amount of UV radiation from the sun to reach
Earth's surface. This increasing UV radiation can result in a few adverse effects on the health,
such as skin cancer, cataracts, and reduced immunity. It is also harmful to ecosystems, for
example by damaging marine life and disrupting food chains. Several measures may be adopted
to mitigate ozone depletion. The reduction of vehicle use, phasing out production and use of
ozone depleting substances as well as the avoidance of products containing chlorofluorocarbons
are among the most important actions. To make a change, it is also necessary to raise awareness
about the depletion of ozone. People who are informed about the causes and effects of ozone
depletion may be inspired to make environmental choices in their everyday lives. The more we
damage our planet the more we don't deserve to call it our home.
 References
Anwar, F., Azam, S., Chaudhry, F., Nazeer, S., & Zaman, N. (2016). Causes of Ozone Layer
Depletion and Its Effects on Human: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences. Vol.6. P(129-
134).doi:10.3436/acs.2016.61011. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?
paperid=63065

Basic Ozone Layer Sciences (2021). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved
from: https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science

Five Ways to Protect the Ozone Layer (n.d). Beep.ba. Retrieved from: https://beep.ba/news/five-
ways-to-protect-the-ozone-layer/#:~:text=Reduce%20car%20use&text=Moreover%2C
%20research%20has%20shown%20that,significantly%20damage%20the%20ozone
%20layer

Health And Environmental Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion (2023). United States
Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-
protection/health-and-environmental-effects-ozone-layer-depletion

Ozone (n.d). Department of Health. Retrieved from:

https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/environmental-health-topics/eht/
ozone.html

Ozone Layer Protection (2023). Environmental Protection Department. Retrieved from:

https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/ozone_layer_protection/
wn6_info_olp_ue_c.html#:~:text=Buy%20air%2Dconditioning%20and
%20refrigeration,prevent%20and%20minimize%20refrigerant%20leakage.

The Ozone layer (2018). Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environmental and Water.
Retrieved from:
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/ozone/publications/ozone-layer-
factsheet

Williams, J. (2023). Chemical Model Animation of CFCs Releasing Chlorine to Form Reservoirs
Gases: NASA SVS. Retrieved from: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/826

Wuebbles, D. (2023). Ozone Depletion: Britannica. Retrieved from:

https://www.britannica.com/science/ozone-depletion

5 Ways to Protect the Ozone Layer (2018). Nutty Scientists. Retrieved from:
https://nuttyscientists.com/blog/5-ways-to-protect-the-ozone-layer