There has been a steady decline in the levels of ozone-harming CFC chemicals. Following this, there has been a downward trajectory, which could have slowed the healing of Earth’s protective ozone layer.
The atmospheric measurements published in 2018 have pointed out illegal CFC production. After implementing the ban on the production, a significant rise in the ozone layer’s healing process.
The Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. After the depletion, most of the UV radiation can penetrate through the layer and reach the surface. This ultimately will cause potential harm to humans and other living things.
Ultraviolet rays can cause severe damage to the DNA thereby causing sunburn. This increases the long-term risk of skin cancer. As a result, in 1985 a gaping hole in the ozone over the South Pole was discovered.
What actually are CFCs?
CFCs stand for chlorofluorocarbons. The family of chlorofluorocarbons has seen an upsurge in utilization. These chemicals are mainly used in refrigeration and as propellants in aerosol cans. Apparently, these chemicals play an important role in the destruction of the ozone layer.
The reason why Hole in Ozone Layer is Damaging
Despite the hole in the ozone layer is due to the natural fluctuations of ozone in the atmosphere, it is also caused by human activities. The emission of gases that rise up to the stratosphere, degrade the ozone molecules thereby increasing the size and effect of this hole in the ozone layer. This is an environmental and health problem since the excess of solar radiation is a threat to any form of life.
5 Ways to Protect the Ozone Layer
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