What is ozone?

Ozone is a gas that is naturally created by the interaction of sunlight and the atmospheric oxygen. There are two types of ozone stratospheric ozone and tropospheric ozone. The ozone at high levels, stratospheric absorbs the sun?s harmful UV rays and protects life on the planet. However the tropospheric ozone acts as a pollutant and gives us smog.

Harmful effects of ozone

Extremely corrosive for those who inhale it and can cause permanent lung damage (respiratory irritant)

Interferes with the plant?s ability to produce and store food making them more susceptible to diseases and bath weather.

Affects their leaves making them more vulnerable to pests, acid rain and bad weather.

Decreases crop yield placing a strain on the eco-system and human population food availiblity.

Benefits of stratospheric ozone

Ozone at high levels absorbs the sun?s harmful UV rays. It helps sustain plant growth my providing optimum conditions and sunlight for photosynthesis. Protects us from Skin cancer, or cataracts keeps certain marine animals alive.

Ozone layer Depletion

It started with CFC?s (Chlorofluorocarbon) in hairspray, propellants that were overused. Once released, these migrated to the stratosphere through atmospheric mixing and because they were stable chemicals, they reached the upper stratosphere. In this upper layer, the UV light broke the CFC molecules apart and released chlorine atoms that form chlorine monoxide while converting O₃ to O₂. The ozone depletion is greatest in the spring where chlorine breaks down ozone to oxygen as a catalyst.

Steps taken to reduce it

Montreal Protocol where it reduced the amount of CFC?s released by 95%

U.S banned used of products which have CFC?s in them

Walk to near places, avoid using one person per vehicle- attempt to reduce fumes so as to reduce smog.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products