Ozone depletion

Dr VANDNA
FCPS TRAINEE (MEDICINE)
ZIAUDDIN UNIVERSITY AND HOSPITAL
Objectives
1. Definition of ozone layer

2. Depletion and its process

3. Effects

4. Action for prevention

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THE OZONE LAYER
THE OZONE LAYER is a belt of the naturally occurring gas "ozone."

It was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri
Buisson.

It sits 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above Earth, and serves as a
shield by absorbing 97–99% of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet
light(UV-B) (from about 200 nm to 315 nm wavelength), which otherwise would
potentially damage exposed life near the surface.

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Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three oxygen atoms.

It lies in the region called the stratosphere.

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Ozone Depletion
Ozone depletion is process of gradual thinning of ozone layer in the upper

atmosphere due to the release of pollution containing the chemicals chlorine and

bromine from industry and other human activities.

The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica since

the mid-1980s

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This region’s low temperatures speed up the conversion
of CFCs to chlorine. Destroying up to 65 percent ozone,
referred to as the "ozone hole.“

In other regions, the ozone layer has deteriorated by

about 20 percent.

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CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals found mainly in spray aerosols heavily
used by industrialized nations for much of the past 50 years, are the primary
culprits in ozone layer breakdown.

One molecule of CFC can destroy more than 100,000 molecules of

stratospheric ozone.

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Effects
Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem
because it increases the amount of ultraviolet
(UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface,
which increases the rate of

skin cancer,

eye cataracts, and

genetic and immune system damage.

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Action
The Montreal Protocol, ratified in 1987, was the first of several comprehensive
international agreements enacted to halt the production and use of ozone-depleting
chemicals.

As a result of continued international cooperation on this issue, the ozone layer is

expected to recover over time.

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Recovery
But scientists estimate it will take another 50 years for chlorine levels to
return to their natural levels.

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Suggestions:
Important Solutions to Minimize Ozone Depletion

- Use less chemicals, phase out pollution

- - Replace CFC’s products

- - Work together to reduce rate of depletion

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