Before addressing the problem of the ozone layer, we will establish a simple comparison to better understand the destruction of the ozone layer.
Imagine that the ozone layer is a wooden bowl and solar radiation, water. Now we place the bowl down and under it, a sponge. The bowl has the function of protecting the sponge of the water we throw over, thus avoiding it. But what would happen if we pierce the bowl? The answer is simple, its protection is no longer complete and the sponge would begin to get wet. What if now we increase the hole? Well, the amount of water that wets the sponge would be greater, increasing the surface affected by water. The bowl would no longer protect the entire surface. Something similar occurs with the ozone layer, earth and solar radiation.
In this ecology article, we talk in depth about the destruction of the ozone layer, its definition, causes and consequences.
What is the ozone layer: brief definition
Clearly, a Definition of the ozone layer is that this is the protective layer Located in the stratosphere, which acts as a filter for solar radiation and shield for ultraviolet radiation (UV), guaranteeing in this way Life on Earth.
Despite their great importance, humans seem determined to continue destroying it by accelerating its deterioration Through the environmental pollution that is, a good part of it, our fault. In this other post of ecology, you can learn much more about this part of the stratosphere, as well as why the ozone layer is so important.
Definition of the destruction of the ozone layer
As said in the previous section the ozone layer is in The stratosphere between 15-30 km away from the earth’s surface. It is formed by O3 (ozone) moleculeswhich at this point have the function of Absorb ultraviolet radiation B (UV-B)serving as a solar radiation filter. The process that occurs is the following and in the end is when the acceleration of deterioration or The destruction of the ozone layer:
- The incident solar radiation is filtered by the ozone layer.
- O3 molecules are broken by absorbing UV-B radiation, dissociating in O2 (dioxide) and O (oxygen). This process receives the name of photólysis, which means the breakage or lysis of the molecule by the action of light.
- The O2 forms and are not dissociated, re -unite forming again O3. Although this last step does not always happen, thus giving rise to “the holes” of the ozone layer.
Causes of destruction of the ozone layer
Regarding the main causes of the destruction of the ozone layerIt should be noted that one of the most responsible products are chlorofluorocarbons or CFCswhich are used as refrigerants and drivers of aerosols. When they are released to the atmosphere, these chemicals are broken down by action of sunlight, giving rise to atoms of Chlorine (CL)which reacts with ozone oxygen (O3) breaking the molecule and forming chlorine monoxide (Clo), thus reducing the amount of ozone in the layer. But not only is the cause of the Great Ozone Reductionother chemicals contain also come into play Bromo (BR) and nitrogen oxides (NOX)present above all in fertilizers. For this reason, the use of these products has been reduced in order to eradicate them. According to forecasts of the World Meteorology Organization, the Ozone layer recovery It will occur around 2050, taking into account that they are estimates, since even if they stop using and the withdrawal of the market occurs, these products remain in the atmosphere for decades.
It should be noted that the ozone layer hole It is located on Antarctica, despite the fact that most of the gases emitted to the atmosphere “runs on account” of developed countries, although conditions have also been observed in the Alps and Canada. This is due to the time of permanence of these gases in the atmosphere, which allow their movement at the mercy of the general circulation of the planet, benefited by the low temperatures in said area of the hemisphere. The destruction of the ozone layer is greater the lower the temperature is, so it increases in winter and early spring.
Consequences of the destruction of the ozone layer
The Consequences of accelerated deterioration or the destruction of the ozone layer They are numerous, although we will surely still believe that we can happen to us. These are some of the effects that result from this environmental problem.
Consequences on human health
- Skin cancer: It is the best known disease related to UV-B radiation. When we sunbathe without protecting ourselves or we do not do it properly, we think nothing will happen, since the disease does not appear at the time, if not over the years.
- Affection to the immune system: It acts by reducing the body’s ability to protect us from infectious diseases. UV-B radiation modifies the DNA molecule causing changes in our body.
- Vision alteration: Cataracts, presbyopia (tired view).
- Respiratory problems: Like asthma, as a result of the increase in O3 in the lower layers of the atmosphere, which is harmful to low heights.
Consequences on land and sailor animals
- Regarding terrestrial animals (dogs, cats, sheep, goats, cows …) the consequences are similar to that of humans.
- As for marine fauna, UV-B radiations that reach the earth’s surface directly affect phytoplankton in the oceans, considerably reducing their population. Affecting the rest of the food chain.
Consequences on plants
UV-B radiation alters the development of plant species, changing flowering times, growth and reducing crop production.
The destruction of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect They are not directly related, although much of society can have that idea. One thing does share, and is mainly responsible for these events. If we think about it, all these consequences end up affecting the human being in one way or another, which in turn is the cause and responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. So … do we continue to believe that our actions will not have consequences in the very close future and even in the present?
Learn more about this other environmental problem in this other ecology article on the greenhouse effect: causes, consequences and solutions.
How to take care of the ozone layer and avoid destruction
Finally, we want to offer you some tips on How to take care of the ozone layer so that it is not destroyedbraking the progress of the hole in this and helping to recover the ozone.
- Avoid the use of aerosols containing CFC.
- Avoid products containing halons, such as some extinguishers.
- Avoid the use of fertilizers containing methyl bromide, there are alternatives that do not affect negatively and that we can use for cultivation.
- Buy local products. Because? Well, the reason, in this case, is in the gases emitted by the vehicles that transport the products, these gases are nitrogen oxides, harmful to the ozone layer. If the products are local, the distance they have to travel is smaller or zero and that translates into the minimum or non -existent emission of these.
- Move with other alternatives other than private car (public transport, bicycles, scooters …), to avoid the mass emission of the aforementioned gases.
- Use of lower consumption bulbs, such as LEDs. Learn more about LED ecological lighting here.
These are some of the actions we can avoid and others promote, but above all to disseminate. Starting with the little ones, who are our future but, above all, in their hands is their own future.
In this video you can learn more about How to avoid deterioration or destruction of the ozone layer.
If you want to read more articles similar to Destruction of the ozone layer: definition, causes and consequenceswe recommend that you enter our ozone layer category.
