OZONE:
DEFINITION OF OZONE
It is a layer of air high above the Earth, which contains a lot of ozone, and which prevents harmful ultraviolet light from the sun from reaching the Earth – Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
In early 1980’s when “ozone hole” was discovered over the Antarctic it was realized that strict measures had to be taken to protect the Ozone Layer.
An International Agreement was made called the “Montreal Protocol” in the year 1987 between 180 nations to stop making and using gases that deplete the ozone. September 16 has been celebrated as “International Day” or the “Ozone Day” for the past 10 years.
OZONE – “The Protective Cover”:
The ozone in the atmosphere protects the earth from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet radiation. This blanket of protection is called the “Ozone layer”. But there are elements that are breaking the protective ozone layer. Scientists discovered that chemical compounds called CFCs (chloroflurocarbons), that are in aerosol sprays and refrigerants, were actually destroying the ozone faster than it could be replaced.
The oxygen molecules in the air that we breathe are two oxygen atoms fused together. But in the stratosphere, there are molecules of ozone, which are of three oxygen atoms bound together. This layer of ozone in the stratosphere filters out a lot of the sun’s UV-B rays, which are harmful to life on earth.
Some Ultraviolet-B light that reaches us is helpful in converting cholesterol to Vitamin D in our skin. But too much can cause suntans and sunburns.
CFCs are the major category of man-made halocarbons. Halocarbons are formed when halogen gases such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine become attached to carbon. The smaller halocarbons turn into a gas quite easily and are the prime suspects in ozone depletion. If the Ozone layer gets depleted, too many Ultraviolet-B rays will reach the earth’s surface, causing health problems for animals (like skin cancer) and harming plant life on earth.
Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are associated with a number of health related and environmental issues. The most important of these is the association between ultraviolet rays and an increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers including malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Even the incidents of cortical cataracts can also increase significantly with the increased exposure to ultraviolet rays.
When ozone forms on the ground, it is harmful to vegetation, human beings and animals. The ozone that forms on the ground when exhaust from cars, factories and chemicals mix with strong sunlight and hot temperatures, creates smog. This can cause serious breathing problems.
PROTECTION OF OZONE LAYER:
Prevention and Control of Depletion of the Ozone Layer
Banning the production and use of ozone depleting substances is one important way of preventing further depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. On the other hand, these chemical compounds should be replaced by suitable alternatives. Scientists of the University of California, U.S.A. devised a possible way of plugging the ozone hole by injecting alkanes or propanes into the atmosphere of Antarctica. The alkanes have the affinity of reacting with ozone destroying chlorine atoms. According to the scientists, about 50,000 tones of alkane or propane would have to be blown to check the ozone loss. Hundreds of large aircrafts are required to release these chemicals from an altitude of about 15 km.
Do your bit to protect the ozone layer:
- Save energy.
- Turn off lights when they are not in use.
- Use eco-friendly products and goods.
- Plant more trees as they can absorb carbon-di-oxide.
- Air pollution can be controlled by using buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry a lot more people in one journey.
- Regular exercise is good for health so walking or cycling can be done as it does not create any pollution.
- Garbage dumps and burning of rubbish can be avoided by composting fruit and vegetables wastes.
- Disposable stuff or plastic can be avoided.
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs can be used.
- Avoid using pesticides.
- Clean neighbourhood once in a week.
"Let us come together to bring the above valuable information into practice and
make the earth a place to live" .
