Among the layers of the atmosphere that we have there is one that protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. It's about the ozone layer. The ozone layer is one that is found in the stratosphere and is composed mainly of ozone. The problem is that it is causing a ozone layer destruction as a result of the industrial activities of the human being. Thanks to various treaties the hole that has been created in this layer is diminishing. However, there is still a lot of work to do.
In this article we are going to tell you how the destruction of the ozone layer affects our planet and what to do to take care of it.
Ozone layer destruction
It is a protective layer located in the stratosphere. It acts as a filter for ultraviolet solar radiation that is harmful to living beings. Although this layer is very important for survival, we humans still seem determined to destroy it. Chlorofluorocarbons are chemicals that destroy ozone in the stratosphere through various reactions. It is a gas made up of fluorine, chlorine and carbon. When this chemical reaches the stratosphere, it undergoes a photolysis reaction with ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This causes the molecules to break down and require chlorine atoms. Chlorine reacts with ozone in the stratosphere, causing oxygen atoms to form and break down ozone.
Ozone is found in the stratosphere and is between 15 and 30 kilometers high. This layer is made up of ozone molecules, which in turn are made up of 3 oxygen atoms. The function of this layer is to absorb ultraviolet B radiation and act as a filter to reduce damage.
The destruction of the ozone layer occurs when a chemical reaction occurs that causes the destruction of stratospheric ozone. Incident solar radiation is filtered by the ozone layer, where ozone molecules are penetrated by ultraviolet B radiation. When this happens, the ozone molecules break down into oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. This process is called photolysis. It means that the molecules break down under the action of light.
The main reason for the accelerated destruction of the ozone layer is the emission of chlorofluorocarbons. Although we have already mentioned that incident sunlight destroys ozone, it does so in a balanced and neutral way. That is, the amount of ozone decomposed by photolysis is equal to or less than the amount of ozone that can be formed by intermolecular association.
Importance of avoiding the destruction of the ozone layer
The ozone layer extends throughout the stratosphere throughout the world. It is not the same thickness in all areas of the Earth, but its concentration is variable. The ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms and is found in gaseous form both in the stratosphere and on the surface. If we find tropospheric ozone, that is, at the level of the earth's surface, it is polluting and harmful to health.
However, the ozone found in the stratosphere has the mission of protecting ourselves against the sun's ultraviolet rays. These rays are harmful to the skin, vegetation and fauna of the planet. If the ozone layer did not exist, we could not go outside without burning ourselves and skin cancers would be even more widespread worldwide.
The ozone layer causes much of the solar radiation that arrives from outer space to be returned and does not reach the surface. In this way we are protected against those harmful rays.
If the ozone layer is weakened to the point that it lets through the sun's harmful UVA rays, it can seriously affect molecules essential for life such as DNA molecules.
In humans, an excess of exposure to such continuous radiation causes serious health effects, such as the appearance of cancer. In vegetation there is also a reduction in photosynthesis rate, lower growth and production. Without photosynthesis, plants cannot live or generate oxygen, absorbing CO2 in the process.
Finally, marine ecosystems are also affected up to the first 5 meters of depth (which is the area where there is the highest incidence of solar radiation). In these areas of the ocean, the photosynthetic rate of phytoplankton decreases, something vital since it is the base of the food chain.
How to take care of it
To protect the ozone layer, governments around the world must establish measures to reduce emissions of these harmful gases. Otherwise, many plants could suffer from solar radiation, skin cancer would increase, and some more serious environmental problems would occur.
On an individual level, as citizens, what you can do is buy aerosol products that do not contain or are made with particles that destroy ozone. Among the most destructive gases of this molecule are:
- CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). They are the most destructive and are released in the form of an aerosol. They have a very long life in the atmosphere and, therefore, those that were released in the middle of the XNUMXth century are still causing damage.
- Halogenated hydrocarbon. This product is found in fire extinguishers. The best thing is to make sure that the extinguisher we buy does not have this gas.
- Methyl bromide. It is a pesticide used in wood plantations. When released into the environment it destroys ozone. The ideal is not to buy furniture made with these woods.
- Do not buy sprays that contain CFCs.
- Do not use halon extinguishers.
- Buy insulating material that does not have CFCs either as is agglomerated cork.
- If a good air conditioning maintenance, we will prevent CFC particles from reaching the ozone layer.
- If the fridge doesn't cool as it should, may leak CFC. The same goes for the vehicle's air conditioning.
- Use the car as little as possible and use public transport or bicycle.
- Buy energy saving light bulbs.
- Always look for the shortest route to travel by car if there is no choice but to take it In this way we will also be looking through the pocket.
- Use air conditioning and heating as little as possible.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the destruction of the ozone layer and how important it is.