The Health effects of OZONE DEPLETION:

Increased UV levels at the earth's surface are damaging to human health. The negative effects include increases in the incidence of certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts and immune deficiency disorders. Increased penetration of UV results in additional production of ground level ozone, which causes respiratory illnesses.Ozone-depleting substances are still present in many older types of equipment and appliances so awareness of how to deal with these is crucial.

Here are some practical things individuals can do to help protect the ozone layer:

• Make sure that old refrigerators and air conditioners are disposed of safely by giving them to a recycling yard. Take care not to damage the cooling circuit which contains the ODS
• Ensure technicians repairing your refrigerator or air conditioner recover and recycle the old ODS so they are not released into the atmosphere
• When renovating your house, make sure that old insulation foams containing ODS are disposed of as environmentally hazardous waste
• Inform yourself about ozone depletion through further reading, and suggest activities to increase awareness of the problem and initiate local action.

Let us all join our hands together to save our sky!!

Aswathi JAYAKUMAR

OOEHS,Girls Campus