World Ozone Layer Day: Preserving mother earth?s blanket

September 16 was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

2013 Theme: A healthy atmosphere, the future we want

The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.

Ozone depletion is caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which were used widely as refrigerants, insulating foams, and solvents.

 We must do everything possible to protect the Ozone Layer & Save Life on Earth

Some Ozone Depleting Substances in Different Industry Sectors

Aerosols, Sterilants and Carbon Tetrachloride

Foams

Halons(Halon 1211 has been widely used in portable fire extinguishers)

HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons): HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are widely used in the refrigeration, foam, solvent, aerosol and fire fighting sectors as a transitional substance to substitute CFCs. HCFCs are also used as feedstock (raw material) in the production for other chemical products.

Solvents, Coatings & Adhesives

What can be done

While most of the measures needed to safeguard the ozone layer involve nations and industries, there are significant steps we can take - as an individual consumer and as a member of a society.

The stratospheric ozone layer is being destroyed in large part by man-made components called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. These versatile chemicals, in liquid or gaseous form, have helped shape modern society. CFC s are used in coolants in our homes, cars and refrigerators as foaming agents in foam insulation, mattresses, and food packaging and as solvents that remove impurities from computer microchips and electronic equipment. The same properties that make CFCs efficient and safe for so many industrial uses also make them destructive for the environment. Their great stability ensures that when they are released into the air (during manufacturing, from leaky cooling systems, or upon disposal) CFCs eventually rise intact into the stratosphere, where radiation breaks them down into component atoms. One of these atoms, chlorine has a devastating effect on ozone. Other compounds called halons, used in some fire extinguishers, are even more destructive of ozone.

Scientists predict that by allowing more UV radiation to reach the earth, the depletion of the ozone layer will lead to an increase in the number of cases of skin cancer (especially melanoma) and cataracts. In addition, they postulate that the increased UV radiation may damage crops, kill plankton that serve as a food source for marine life, and even have adverse effects on the human immune system. CFCs may also trap heat in the atmosphere and thus contribute to the global warming.

Substitutes for CFCs may add to the cost of many products, be less efficient,, and have other drawbacks, at least at first. This may be hard to accept, especially since CFC emissions are invisible, and most of the damage they cause may not be evident for decade. But the steps we take now to protect the ozone layer will benefit our grandchildren.

Ways to protect the ozone layer:

1. Minimize high altitude aircraft flights (oxygen reduction and water vapor deposition)
2. Minimize rocket flights (water vapor deposition)
3. Encourage growth of plants that produce oxygen, discourage deforestation
4. Decrease / control releases of high temperature steam / moisture to the atmosphere
5. Eliminate production and release of known ozone depleting chemicals (such as CFCs and HCFCs) where remotely possible. Subsidize production of safer alternatives where possible.
6. Establish controls to assure that new compounds to be used in high volume, are surveyed for effect on ozone.

Actions an indivdual can take  :

Try to use products which are labeled "Ozone-Friendly" .

When buying a refrigerator, choose an energy efficient model: it may contain as little as half the CFC's. Thus when the fridge wears out and you dump it, less CFCs will be released. To keep your fridge in the best working order, clean the coils regularly that way it may last until CFC-free models are developed, or at least until recycling programs for CFCs are available

Ensure technicians repairing your refrigerator or air conditioner recover and recycle the old CFCs so they are not released into the atmosphere.

Vehicle air conditioning units should regularly be checked for leaks. Auto air conditioners are the single largest source of CFC emissions .(Home air conditioners contain coolants that are far less ozone depleting.).

If your a/c in your car is leaking take it to a repair shop quickly or CFC will go in the air and that is bad because CFC hurts our ozone layer.

Don't use cars that use gas and try to buy cars that use electricity.

Replace halon fire extinguishers with alternatives (e.g. carbon dioxide or foam).

Limit the use of aerosol cans around the home (for example, hair gel instead of hair spray)

Don't use foam plastic insulation in your home, unless it is made with ozone safe agents. Or use fiberglass,gypsum, fiberboard, or cellulose insulation.

• Control  auto emissions by
• Eliminate excessive engine idling
• Ensure automotive exhaust system functions properly
• Avoid unnecessary driving whenever possible
• Take public transportation