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impact of ozone depletion on people
an essay on ozone layer depletion
essay ozone depletion
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OZONE DEPLETION BY HUMAN’S ACTIONS
The ozone layer is a very important component in the atmosphere. Ozone is not the same as the oxygen humans breathe. There is very little of this gas in the atmosphere. First off, let’s begin with a definition of the ozone layer. Ozone is a hot, slightly bluish gas. It is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, which are very similar to the molecule we are familiar with (O2), the molecule needed for human respiration. Despite the major smog problem, about 90 percent of Earth’s ozone are actually in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere far above the Earth’s surface. It lies above the troposhere, the miles-thick lower layer where air is densest and where most weather occurs. So, it is evident that the ozone layer plays a vital role in what happens to the lives of humans.
The presence of the ozone layer in our atmosphere is of vital importance to everything in the Earth. There are two types of ozone, "good ozone" and "bad ozone." Ozone in the stratosphere is referred to as being "good ozone," because it shields Earth from destructive ultraviolet radiation. The remaining 10 percent of the ozone, the "bad ozone," lie closely to the planet’s surface, in the troposhere, where at certain areas it is harmful to the public's health and welfare (Turekian 1). Even so, ozone is even more abundant in the stratosphere than in the troposphere (Walker2). It is important for everyone to know that ozone molecules overall are very rare in the Earth’s atmosphere. Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. That makes ozone an essential defense in protecting humans against the UV-B wavelengths, which can pose the greatest threats of biological damage. Further Website resea...
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WORKS CITED
Links Between Global Warming and Ozone Depletion http://www.ozone.org/<o:p </o:p <o:p </o:p
Lutgens, Frederick, and Edward Tarbuck. The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1979<o:p </o:p <o:p </o:p Thompson, Russell D. Atmospheric Processes and Systems New York: Routledge, 1998<o:p </o:p <o:p </o:p Turekian, Karl K. Global Environmental Change: Past, Present, and Future New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1996<o:p </o:p <o:p </o:p Walker, James C.G. Evolution of the Atmosphere New York: Macmillan, 1977
Life on this planet Earth is the product of a delicate balancing act provided by nature. Mankind's very existence is totally dependent on this fragile ecosystem's ability to maintain itself. A valuable player in the balance of the environment, the ozone layer, is facing a very serious threat by man. Chloroflourocarbons (CFCs), are chemical agents commonly found in refrigerants, aerosol sprays, and in the manufacturing of Styrofoam and industrial solvents. With the rate of more than a half-million tons of CFCs being spewed into the atmosphere yearly, the rate of ozone depletion is rising at an alarming rate. If a global effort is not made to end the unnecessary use of CFCs, the inhabitants of this planet face an extremely difficult and frightening future.
Reay, D. (2010, May 9). The encyclopedia of the Earth. Greenhouse gas. Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/153147/
Stratospheric ozone absorbs 97-99% of ultraviolet radiation. As this protective layer continues to dissentigrate, human health will suffer. One American dies every hour from skin cancer, a direct result of ozone depletion by anthropogenic chemicals, primarily CFCs, which damage the ozone layer. Alternate chemicals are now being used in the place of CFCs that will not damage statospheric ozone, and there is international recognition of the importance of developing these chemicals. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty which limits the production of ozone depleting substances. Still, human health is at risk from the deletion of ozone, and the risk factor will continue to rise unless people and industries become more aware of the implications connected with everyday use of chemicals which destroy stratospheric ozone.
The ozone layer is the one that protects living things from the pure ultraviolet rays of the sun.
This article states that the ozone hole is diminishing. The credit for this good news is the phasing out of the ozone-depleting chemicals sponsored by the Montreal Protocol (Ozone hole diminishing, Nov). According to this article, the hole reached a peak of 25 million square kilometers, coming down from 28 in previous years since 1998 up to 2006. The article emphasizes the fact that ozone-depleting gases are still being used. The article continues by stating that according to the World Meteorological Organization, the planet will come back to pre-ozone hole conditions between 2060 and 2075 (Ozone hole diminishing, Nov).
The atmospheric ozone layer protects all living things from the harmful effects of the Sun. In recent years however, much damage has been caused to the ozone layer, causing it to decrease in size. The depletion of the ozone layer has and will continue to have many detrimental effects on all living things on this planet. A thinner layer will allow more of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. In particular, it will be the increase of UV-B rays which will have the most negative side effects. It will effect humans, plants, the Earth’s water and every other living creature. Studies have shown that for every five percent reduction in the concentration of ozone, the rate of skin cancer will rise by ten percent, due to increased exposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet rays (Environment Canada). Increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation increase the incidence of eye cataracts, which are patches of light blocking tissue which can lead to blindness (Ehrlich 120). It will also affect plants, which are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. High levels will cause reduced stem and leaf growth in plants because photosynthetic activity is reduced or damaged. It also causes lower dry weight and affects plants’ ability to take in and use water (Ehrlich 120). This in turn reduces agricultural production and the food available to animals. Greater exposure to ultraviolet rays also affects the DNA of organisms. The radiation has the ability to reach the DNA and alter its structure. This can impair the organisms immune system, cause stunted growth, as well as increase the risk of cancer (Dolan 260). As well, micro-organisms in the soil which produce nutrients, can die from over-exposure to ultraviolet rays, resulting in soil infertility.
The depletion of the ozone layer has been a trending topic after it was first discovered in 1970. The ozone layer is a portion of the earth’s stratosphere which absorbs most of the sun’s UV rays hence preventing cancer and other fatal illness to the skin. It contains high concentrations of O3 and at a constant rate is being broken down and. Since 1970, it has been discovered that about 4% of the ozone layer wears off every decade and is as a result of day-to-day human activity.
Along with being aware about air pollution, we should also be aware about ozone concentrations and fossil fuel burning. The public should be concerned with ozone concentrations because they are constantly increasing. Ozone levels are increasing because of the heat and pollution. The public should be informed on how to reduce pollution and heat. Some steps the public can take to reduce pollution are to use public transportation and electric vehicles, conserve energy and recycle. Moreover, planting more plants will reduce heat and decrease ozone levels. Ozone is considered “bad” when found in the lower troposphere because it leads to many health effects in humans. Breathing ozone can cause bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Therefore, humans should stay indoors in the afternoon during the summer months. “Bad” Ozone also damages our crops and forests, affecting our food chain and the economy. Ozone is considered “good” in the Stratosphere because it protects us from dangerous ultraviolet rays released by the sun. Ozone in the Stratospheres protects us from conditions such as skin cancer and cataracts. Furthermore, ozone in the atmosphere protects our crops, thus playing
A thin layer of gas called atmosphere surrounds the Earth. The atmosphere serves two important purposes: it is a filter for the suns dangerous ultraviolet radiation rays and keeps the heat, necessary to maintain life on earth, within the stratosphere (Vorlat 361). Ultraviolet light is incredibly dangerous to all the organisms within the Earth's ecosystem because it causes skin cancer, effects the immune system, and harms plant and animal life. For that reason the atmosphere and the ozone layer within it are crucial to a stable life on this planet. The ozone layer is in danger, however. It is facing depletion by a toxic man-made substance called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Together the international community is working through treaties and conventions to stop this environmental problem.
While one may visualize air pollution as huge fumes of smoke arising from a chimney and tainting the air of a city, this kind of image is not reflective of how Kansas City appears. However, air pollution is still an issue to consider as it can arise if residents do not act to prevent pollutants into our breathing environment. One of the most prevalent air pollution issues in Kansas City regards the ground level ozone levels. One should note that there are two types of ozone that make up the atmosphere: the ozone layer at a high altitude above the Earth and the ground-level ozone. The first type that is above Earth protects us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but the second type is commonly known as ozone pollution or smog (Mid-America Regional Council). Thus, ground-level ozone is a concern when present in at high levels in environments. Before diving in, one should be familiar with how high ground level ozone levels can be harmful. According to Dahl, an adjunct professor affiliated with the department of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, clarifies that “ozone is a common urban pollutant that has been linked to
Many crises have challenged the innovation and cooperation of humanity in recent centuries. Depletion of the ozone layer, however, has proven to be one of the most heavily regarded issues. Increased solar radiation was predicted to cause higher rates of certain cancers in many species, to be detrimental to the development of certain bacteria (some vital to agriculture), and to cause cortical cataracts. 1 The world united and responded with an advanced magnitude of international cooperation that has significantly slowed the formation of depressions in the ozone layer.
Ozone depletion directly affects society and the environment through increased exposure to UV radiation on humans, animals, plants and materials.
The stratospheric ozone layer is the Earth's natural means of protection from the Sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Some of the chemicals most harmful to the ozone layer are chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. These compounds are chemically inert gasses that, when introduced to the stratosphere, speed up the depletion of the ozone layer. The reason that these chemicals are so harmful is that after a CFC molecule is broken up by UV radiation in the stratosphere, its Chlorine atom is free to react with the ozone molecules in the atmosphere. Because Chlorine is a catalyst, it continues to react with other ozone molecules causing continuous damage and depletion of the ozone, as can be seen from the chart of CFC reactions below.
The ozone layer diminishes more each year. As the area of polar ozone depletion (commonly called the ozone hole) gets larger, additional ultraviolet rays are allowed to pass through. These rays cause cancer, cataracts, and lowered immunity to diseases.1 What causes the depletion of the ozone layer?
The ozone layer or ozonosphere is the region of the stratosphere containing relatively high concentrations of ozone, a pale blue, highly poisonous gas with a strong odor. Ozone is formed by the action of solar ultraviolet light on oxygen. Ozone at ground level is a health hazard. High concentrations of ozone at ground level are dangerous to breathe and can damage the lungs. Ozone in the upper atmosphere, however, is vital to life. The ozone layer prevents most ultraviolet and other high-energy radiation from penetrating to the earth's surface but does allow through sufficient ultraviolet rays to ...