The earth comprises different layers that play vital roles in maintaining the environment and atmosphere. The four layers are from deepest to shallowest: the inner core, the outer core, the mantle and the crust. The core is the centre part of the earth. The mantle is lying below the crust and is up to 2900 km thick, and the crust is the outside layer of the earth and is made of solid rock, mostly basalt and granite. 

Earth’s atmosphere is composed of four layers depending on the temperature. They are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere. The ozone layer is the region lower to the stratosphere from about 20-30 kilometres over the earth’s surface. It contains ozone that has three oxygen atoms and a naturally occurring molecule. In this article, we will be discussing the ozone layer,  its depletion causes and its effects.

Ozone layer

The layer which is found in the lowest layer of the atmosphere is ozone. The harmful radiations responsible for the damage to the earth coming from the sun are absorbed by this layer about 90 to 99%. Millions of people will be affected by skin diseases if the layer was not there in the atmosphere and can cause weakening of immunity as well. 

Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer is called ozone layer depletion. It is applied when the depletion level is below 200 Dobson Unit (D.U). This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms destroy the ozone molecule by coming in contact with the ozone. Some compounds release these atoms on exposure to high UV light that causes depletion of the ozone layer. These compounds are called ODS(Ozone-depleting substances). Chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform are ODS  containing chlorine and the leading cause for ozone depletion.

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

The factors that are responsible for ozone layer depletion are listed below.

Chlorofluorocarbons

The chief ozone depleting substance is chlorofluorocarbons that are highly volatile and non-combustible. Due to this feature, they evaporate quickly and reach ozone by depleting the ozone molecules. CFC’s are usually used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners used in cars, etc. The chlorine molecules are released when the chlorofluorocarbon molecules are broken down by the ultraviolet rays and thus react with ozone molecules. 

Unregulated Rocket Launches

Rocket launches are another fundamental cause of the depletion of the ozone layer. Researchers estimated that unregulated rocket launches have more serious effects than CFC’s. If not controlled, it would impact the ozone layer very severely in the upcoming years.

Nitrogenous compounds

NO, N₂O and NO₂ are considered significantly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer emitted by human activities.

Effects of Ozone Depletion

Depletion of ozone layers impacts human health and the environment negatively. Some major issues are listed below.

Health issues

When exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation, humans can cause severe issues like cataracts, skin cancer, immunity issues, lung disease, and many more. The UV radiations alter the biomolecules and thus cause strange diseases.

Animal health.

The health of animals is also as important as human beings. By these radiations, they are also affected by skin cancer and eye issues.

Aquatic animals

Marine animals are also adversely affected. Mainly planktons are seriously affected by these harmful rays from the sun. If they get destroyed gradually, the remaining tiny aquatic organisms eventually start killing. 

Our ozone layer cycle is crucial for all living beings in the atmosphere. Every individual must take the initiative for preventing ozone layer depletion. The leading cause CFC’s should be banned. We should save the earth and save the life