WHAT IS OZONE?

The ozone layer is a naturally occurring layer of gas in the earth’s upper atmosphere. It acts as a shield and protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The ozone molecule constitutes three oxygen atoms and is fairly unstable. It only makes up a small fraction of the upper atmosphere, but it still protects all biological processes on earth.

The presence of this layer is what enables organisms to thrive on the surface of the earth. Without it, life on earth would be unbearable,

Ozone is formed through a chemical process that involves the reaction between oxygen molecules and ultraviolet rays.

When oxygen molecules are exposed to ultraviolet rays, they split into individual atoms.

The newly formed single atoms then combine with molecular oxygen to form triatomic oxygen molecules.

The reaction can occur in the upper layers of the atmosphere or close to the ground. However, ground-level ozone can be harmful to our health.

Ground-level ozone forms when volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxide gases in the troposphere. Thankfully, most of the ozone on earth is formed in the stratospheric layer of our atmosphere.

Scientists believe that the earth developed enough ozone to protect all biological processes on its surface about 600 million years ago.

This was made possible with the help of aquatic organisms that caused the formation of oxygen molecules*.

*https://www.albany.edu/faculty/rgk/atm101/ozone.htm

The earth’s atmosphere is made of multiple layers. Each layer has a special role that it plays in ensuring the planet remains conducive for all organisms.

Ozone molecules can be found in several zones of the atmosphere. However, most of it is found in the stratosphere.

The stratosphere is the second layer making up the earth’s atmosphere. It contains about 90% of the ozone on our planet.

The lowest region of the stratosphere is about 6 miles from the surface of the earth, while the highest point is at 31 miles.

Ozone molecules can be formed in this region naturally, provided that all conditions are met. There must be oxygen molecules and ultraviolet rays.

Both plants and animals need the ozone layer to survive. The earth is habitable because the ozone layer shields it from lethal radiation.

How does the ozone layer protect us?

• The ozone molecules in the atmosphere absorb harmful ultraviolet rays such as UVB. These types of rays can damage our skin and may also cause cancer.
• With the ozone layer in place, the sun’s rays can be filtered before they reach the surface of the earth.
• The ozone layer creates the perfect conditions for plants and animals to thrive.
• Since the ozone levels in the earth’s atmosphere vary from time to time, harmful rays can still reach the planet’s surface. As such, always use sunscreen to protect yourself.
• Without the ozone layer, organisms will find it difficult to survive on earth. Humans and animals will be exposed to life-threatening conditions that will lead to their demise.
• Besides, UV radiation can damage plant and animal DNA, so we need the ozone layer to stay alive.

The ozone layer is made of volatile molecules that can easily be destroyed by certain compounds. It takes a long time to form the ozone layer but destroying it is very easy.

What destroys the ozone layer?

The ozone layer is continuously being destroyed through a process called ozone depletion. There are ozone-depleting substances that are reducing the ozone levels in the atmosphere.

Ozone depletion is mainly caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a group of chemical compounds containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms.

These chemical compounds can break down ozone molecules. Thereby, creating passageways through the ozone shield.

Most of the compounds were formerly found in refrigerants and aerosol spray cans.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) can also cause gradual degradation of the ozone layer. HCFCs contain atoms of hydrogen, fluorine, carbon, and chlorine.

A single atom of chlorine can destroy up to 100,000 molecules of ozone, resulting in serious ozone depletion.

HCFCs are not as destructive compared to CFCs because they don’t release a lot of chlorine to the atmosphere compared to the latter.

Halons also release bromine into the atmosphere. Bromine has the same effect on ozone molecules as chlorine and can also lead to ozone depletion*.

NASA for Educators: Ozone

Over the years, the ozone layer has been gradually depleting. This poses a threat to all life forms on earth.

Ozone depletion mainly occurs at the poles of the earth. The destruction is greatest at the southernmost, also known as the South Pole.

When ozone molecules become severely depleted in a specific area, the result is the formation of a ‘hole’ in the ozone layer. The area does not have an actual hole, but it acts as a weak point through which ultraviolet rays can pass. The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica was discovered in the 1980’s. 

However, there is some good news – according to recent scientific studies, the size of the ozone hole has been gradually decreasing over the past few years. This reduction in size is due to global efforts to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other harmful chemicals that contribute to ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol, which was signed by many countries around the world in 1987, aims to phase out these harmful substances and has had a positive impact on reducing the size of the ozone hole.

Caring for the ozone layer is very important. As we have seen with the shrinking of the ozone layer hole, our actions really can make a difference and repair the harm we have caused. 

Avoid Products with CFCs

One of the primary causes of ozone depletion is the release of chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and methyl bromide into the atmosphere. By reducing our use of these substances, we can help to limit their impact on the ozone layer.

Use Alternative Products

Many products that contain harmful chemicals have alternatives that are safer for the environment. For example, instead of using aerosol hairsprays that contain CFCs, we can switch to pump sprays or roll-on deodorants.

Support Policies and Regulations

Governments around the world have implemented policies and regulations aimed at protecting the ozone layer. By supporting these measures and asking for stronger protections, we can help to ensure that they remain in place.

Educate Others

Raising awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer is crucial in encouraging others to take action. By sharing information with friends, family members, and colleagues, we can help to build a broader understanding of this issue and promote positive change.

Support Scientific Research

Ongoing scientific research is critical in understanding how best to protect the ozone layer. Supporting research initiatives through funding or advocacy can help to ensure that scientists have the resources they need to make progress in this area.

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