Ozone and Environmental Imbalance

The ozone layer is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 15 to 30 kilometers above Earth and serves as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken down in the high atmosphere in the region called the stratosphere. The thickness of the ozone layer differs as per season and geography. 

In the present day, there is widespread concern that the ozone layer is deteriorating due to the release of pollution containing the chemicals chlorine and bromine. Such deterioration allows large amounts of ultraviolet B rays to reach Earth, which can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans and harm animals as well. Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer: Ozone layer has been found to be affected by certain natural phenomena such as Sunspots and stratospheric winds. But this has been found to cause not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be only temporary. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals found mainly in spray aerosols are the chief culprits in ozone layer breakdown. When CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, they are exposed to ultraviolet rays, which cause them to break down into substances that include chlorine. The chlorine reacts with the oxygen atoms in ozone and rips apart the ozone molecule.

There are two regions in which the ozone layer has depleted. In the mid-latitude, over Australia, the ozone layer is thinned. This has led to an increase in the UV radiation reaching the earth. It is estimated that about 5-9% thickness of the ozone layer has decreased, increasing the risk of humans to over-exposure to UV radiation owing to the outdoor lifestyle. In atmospheric regions over Antarctica, the ozone layer is significantly thinner especially in the spring season. This has led to the formation of what is called ‘ozone hole’. Ozone holes refer to the regions of severely reduced ozone layers. Ozone layer depletion is also the cause of global warming in India and other parts of the world. Although, it is impossible to turn back time to resolve this major issue, but we do know how to go green and save the earth from further degradation.

1. Limit private vehicle driving: A very easy way to control ozone depletion would be to limit or reduce the amount of driving as vehicular emissions eventually result in smog which is a culprit in the deterioration of the ozone layer. Car-pooling, taking public transport, walking, using a bicycle would help you Go Green and Save Green!

2. Use eco-friendly household cleaning products: Usage of eco-friendly and natural cleaning products for household chores is a great way to prevent ozone depletion.