BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY
REG NO: 23/ BSU/BPH/3015
NAME OF STUDENTS: KIHEMBO CRESCENT
YEAR OF STUDY: YEAR TWO
SEMESTER: SEMESTER ONE
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2024/25
FACULTY: NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEALTH
COURSE UNIT: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
LECTURER: AMANYIRE JORDAN
DATE: 05/10/2024
ASSIGNEMENT:
‘‘Ozone is life’’ discuss.
OZONE; A CRUCIAL COMPONENT FOR LIFE ON EARTH
Ozone, a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O₃), plays a vital role in maintaining life on
Earth. It exists primarily in two regions of the atmosphere: the stratosphere and the troposphere.
In the stratosphere, ozone forms a protective layer that shields living organisms from the harmful
effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the troposphere, ozone acts as a pollutant and greenhouse
gas that can impact human health and climate. The complex dual role of ozone illustrates both its
importance and its risks. This essay explores the significance of ozone, its role in life on Earth,
and the consequences of ozone depletion.
The Ozone Layer and Its Role in Protecting Life
The ozone layer, located in the lower stratosphere, is often referred to as Earth’s “sunscreen”
because it absorbs a significant portion of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Specifically, it filters out UV-B and UV-C radiation, which can cause severe damage to living
organisms. The importance of this layer cannot be overstated as UV radiation is known to cause
skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, and damage to terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems. Without the ozone layer, life on Earth would be severely affected.
The formation of the ozone layer began billions of years ago when oxygen-producing organisms
began releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Over time, some of this oxygen was converted into
ozone through a process involving sunlight. The balance between ozone production and
destruction in the stratosphere helps maintain a stable ozone layer, which has been crucial for the
evolution of life as we know it.
In the stratosphere, ozone continuously absorbs UV-B radiation, which energizes the ozone
molecule, causing it to break apart. The resulting oxygen atoms can recombine with molecular
oxygen to form ozone again, thus sustaining the ozone layer. This dynamic process ensures that
the layer is self-regenerating, provided no external factors disrupt it. The ability of ozone to
absorb UV radiation reduces the amount of harmful energy reaching Earth’s surface, making the
ozone layer an essential protector of life.
Ozone Depletion: A Threat to Life
Despite its critical role, human activities have led to significant depletion of the ozone layer. The
discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica in the 1980s highlighted the alarming rate at which
ozone was being destroyed. The primary cause of ozone depletion is the emission of ozone-
depleting substances (ODS), particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other related
chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. When these chemicals
reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by UV light, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms,
which then catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
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The depletion of the ozone layer allows more UV-B radiation to reach Earth’s surface. Increased
exposure to UV-B radiation has detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.
For humans, higher levels of UV-B can lead to an increase in skin cancers, particularly malignant
melanoma, as well as other skin disorders. UV-B radiation also causes eye damage, leading to
conditions like cataracts, and suppresses the immune system, making individuals more
susceptible to infectious diseases.
Ecosystems are not immune to the effects of ozone depletion. Phytoplankton, which form the
base of the marine food chain, are highly sensitive to increased UV radiation. Depletion of the
ozone layer can reduce phytoplankton populations, thereby disrupting the entire marine
ecosystem. On land, crops and forests may suffer as increased UV exposure can impair plant
growth, reduce crop yields, and damage delicate ecosystems.
Human Efforts to Protect the Ozone Layer
Recognizing the harmful effects of ozone depletion, the international community has taken
significant steps to protect and restore the ozone layer. The most notable effort is the Montreal
Protocol, signed in 1987, which aimed to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting
substances. The protocol has been hailed as one of the most successful environmental
agreements, leading to a substantial decrease in the emission of CFCs and other ODS.
Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, scientists have observed signs of recovery in the ozone layer.
While it may take several decades for the ozone layer to fully recover, the reduction in ozone-
depleting substances has been a positive step towards safeguarding life on Earth. The success of
the Montreal Protocol demonstrates the importance of global cooperation in addressing
environmental challenges.
In addition to reducing ODS, continued research and monitoring of the ozone layer are crucial.
Scientists use satellite data and ground-based observations to track changes in the ozone layer
and assess the effectiveness of policy measures. Public awareness campaigns have also played a
role in reducing the use of products containing ODS, emphasizing the importance of individual
actions in protecting the environment.
4. The Role of Ozone in the Troposphere
While stratospheric ozone is essential for life, ozone in the troposphere (the lowest layer of
Earth’s atmosphere) can be harmful. Tropospheric ozone is not emitted directly into the air but
forms when pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities, and other sources react in the presence
of sunlight. This type of ozone is a major component of smog and is classified as a pollutant
because of its harmful effects on human health, vegetation, and climate.
Exposure to high levels of tropospheric ozone can cause respiratory problems, including asthma,
bronchitis, and other lung diseases. It is particularly harmful to children, the elderly, and people
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with pre-existing health conditions. Moreover, ozone can damage crops, forests, and other
vegetation, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and ecosystem degradation.
Tropospheric ozone also contributes to climate change. Although it is a short-lived gas compared
to carbon dioxide, ozone is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere,
contributing to global warming. Efforts to reduce tropospheric ozone levels are closely linked to
air quality and climate change mitigation strategies. Reducing emissions of precursor pollutants,
such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is critical to minimizing
the formation of tropospheric ozone and improving public health.
The Future of Ozone and Its Impact on Life
As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the future of ozone and its
impact on life remain critical areas of concern. Climate change, in particular, poses new risks to
the ozone layer. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, temperature, and humidity can
influence ozone distribution and recovery. For example, a warmer climate may lead to changes in
the chemical reactions that produce and destroy ozone, potentially slowing down the recovery of
the ozone layer.
Moreover, the continued use of ozone-depleting substances in some regions, illegal production of
CFCs, and the rise of new chemicals with similar effects pose ongoing threats to the ozone layer.
The development of safer, environmentally friendly alternatives to ODS is essential to ensure the
long-term protection of the ozone layer.
In a nutshell, ozone is both a protector and a potential threat to life on Earth. The ozone layer in
the stratosphere is vital for shielding the planet from harmful UV radiation, making life possible.
However, human activities have disrupted this balance, leading to ozone depletion and increased
risks to health and the environment. While global efforts, such as the Montreal Protocol, have
made significant strides in protecting the ozone layer, continued vigilance and action are
necessary to ensure its recovery. At the same time, addressing the harmful effects of tropospheric
ozone is crucial for improving air quality and mitigating climate change. Ultimately, the complex
nature of ozone underscores the importance of responsible stewardship of the environment to
safeguard life on Earth for future generations.
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REFERENCES
1. World Health Organization (WHO-Ultraviolet radiations).
2. National Cancer Institute (NCI-Ultraviolent radiations)
3. NASA (The Ozone Layer)
4. Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
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