As we all know, September 16 is the annual International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1994. The motto of this day sounds as follows: "Save our sky: protect yourself-protect the ozone layer." This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The Protocol suggested measures to oblige parties to limit and then completely stop the production and consumption of certain types of ozone-depleting substances.

The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere at altitudes of 15 to 30 km. It was discovered by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. In 1912, they used spectroscopic measurements of ultraviolet radiation to prove the existence of ozone in the atmosphere. And in the end of the 20th century, scientists made a new discovery: in the area of the Antarctic region there was a massive depletion of ozone in Earth?s atmosphere. That's when the "ozone holes" appeared.  In general, the main reason for the depletion of ozone and emergence of ozone holes is manufactured chemicals, especially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants and foam-blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Therefore, the preservation of the ozone layer depends on our activities.

The problem of preserving the ozone layer is a priority for all countries of the world. Ozone layer is vital for sustaining life as it protects the Earth from UV rays, which can lead to different skin and eye conditions, including skin cancer and eye lesions such as cataracts, and general weakening of the immune system. What is more, without it the plankton wouldn?t be able to serve as food for most of the ocean life and numerous food chains would be destroyed. Obviously, even a slight decrease in ozone levels is an issue of great concern.

Without the ozone layer, life on Earth would not exist. And it is our task to protect it.