Save ozone- save your zone Ozone depletion a burning issue.

Ozone layer is in fact a part of the earths atmosphere. While the stratosphere extends to a height of 31.04 miles, the ozone layer starts from 8.07 miles and extends up to 20.42 miles above the surface of the earth. This layer is predominantly characterized by the presence of ozone-the oxygen atom with three molecules. Ozone layer is important because it tends to capture the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun, which have the potency to destroy the life forms of the earth. The fact that ozone layer was being depleted was discovered in the mid 1980s. A range of chemical compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, halons, carbon tetrachloride etc, have the ability to destroy the ozone layer. The molecules of this compound are light, and hence they tend to soar in the sky. Once they reach the stratosphere, they trigger a series of reactions, owing to which the molecules of ozone get damaged. This damage to the ozone layer makes the earth vulnerable to the harmful emissions coming from the sun. In fact the adverse effects of ozone layer depletion have already started becoming more and more obvious, and the ozone hole in Antarctica is one of the best examples of the same. Depletion of ozone layer is quicker in cold conditions. CFCs are used in industry in a variety of ways and have been amazingly useful in many products, the refrigerator, home insulation, plastic foam, and throw away food containers. Only later did people realize the disaster CFCs caused in the stratosphere. There, the chlorine atom is removed from the CFC and attracts one of the three oxygen atoms in the ozone molecule. This process continues, and a single chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 molecules of ozone. Even if the CFC were banned, problem would remain. There will be still no way to remove the CFCs that are now present in the environment. Clearly

though, something must be done to limit this international problem in the future. Every time even a small layer of ozone layer is lost, more ultraviolet rays can reach the surface of the earth. Every time 1% of the ozone layer is depleted, 2% more UV-B is able to reach the surface of the planet. UV-B is one of the most harmful consequences of ozone depletion because it can cause skin cancer. In addition to cancer , some research shows that a decrease ozone layer will increase rate of malaria and other infectious diseases. According to EPA, 17 million more cases of cataracts can also be expected. The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The life cycle of plants will change, disturbing the food chain. Effects on animals will also be severe, and are very difficult to foresee. Oceans will be hit hard as well. The most basic microscopic organisms such as plankton may not able to be survive. Other ecosystems such as forests and deserts will also be harmed. The planets climate could also be affected by depletion of the ozone layer. Wind patterns could also change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world. The discovery of the ozone depletion problem came as a great surprise. Some ways to protect ozone layer are: Minimize high altitude aircraft flights and minimize rocket flights. Encourage growth of plants that produce oxygen, discourage deforestation. Control releases high temperature steam to the atmosphere. Eliminate production and release of known ozone depleting chemicals (CFC) where remotely possible. Use eco-friendly products. Use recyclable products thus we can save energy. By creating the public awareness among the people, they can realize the importance of ozone Now, action must be taken to ensure that the ozone layer is not destroyed. Because CFCs are so widespread and used in such a great variety of products, limiting their use is hard. And also great quantities of CFCs already exist in the environment. CFCs would remain in the stratosphere for another 1000 years even if none were produced again. Despite the difficulties, international action has been taken to limit CFCs. In the

Montreal Protocol, 30 nations worldwide agreed to reduce usage of CFCs and encourage other countries to do as well. Companies are finding substitutions for CFCs and people in general are becoming more aware of the dangers of ozone depletion. As to regulate gases that harm ozone layer, in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly voted to designate the 16th of September as World Ozone Day. Deal today with ozone for a better tomorrow.

Written by, LAMIZ THARANA X-B