Ozone Layer Depletion

In my last article I posted about Air Pollution. Today I'm writing about Ozone layer depletion so as to lay emphasis on the the Effects of Air Pollution. We all need to be aware on how Air Pollution is making the future dangerous for all living things, including you and I.

What is Ozone layer?

The Ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation.

The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.

What is Ozone layer depletion?

Ozone layer depletion is simply the gradual reduction of the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.

To summarize the above, Ozone layer is a shield protecting we human beings and other living things on Earth from the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. And Ozone layer depletion mean the thickness of the shield protecting is reducing gradually therefore giving way for more Ultraviolet Rays to come in. The ultraviolet rays are not suitable for living.

Causes of Ozone layer depletion are manufactured chemicals namely;

1. Manufactured halocarbon refrigerants

2. Solvents

3. Propellants

4. Foam-blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons)

Effects of Ozone layer depletion includes:

1. Skin cancer

2. Excess Vitamin D (which leads to death)

3. Sunburn

4. Cataracts (Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye) e.t.c

How can we as individuals prevent further depletion of the Ozone layer?

1. Buy local products

2. Don’t buy aerosol products with chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)

3. Repair your refrigerator, freezer and air conditioner units immediately upon any sign of problem

4. Buy lumber, wood products and plywood that were not treated with methyl bromide

Thanks for reading.