Ozone

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.

The Ozone layer is depleting due to man made chemicals we use everyday; this depletion causes an increase in the risk of someone developing skin cancer, and is potentially life-threatening. The ozone layer is a gas that protects the earth from the dangerous UV rays emitted from the sun. (Freedman, page 2934) Due to man made chemicals, the ozone layer is depleting which causes many problems for sustainable life on earth. The rays entering the earth’s stratosphere without the ozone layer will cause damage to many things, such as someone’s eyes or immune system, aquatic life, or plants. Another one of the consequences of ozone layer depletion is that it will cause an increase in the risk of developing skin cancer.

Ozone Depletion Atmospheric ozone layer depletion is a serious problem currently facing the world. The ozone layer protects humans, animals, and plants from harmful ultraviolet rays. Money and time are being spent on ozone repair, but the problem still exists. The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere containing ozone, or O3 gas. The ozone layer is essential to both plant and animal life on earth because it protects the surface from dangerous ultraviolet light.

Depletion of the Ozone Layer 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.

The ozone absorbs solar UV radiation which makes the stratosphere hot. The ozone also absorbs infrared radiation that comes from the earth’s surface, trapping the heat in the troposphere. Ozone depletion has severe repercussions on humans, animals, and plants. As I stated earlier, exposure to UV rays can cause a number of problems to all life. One of the big ones is skin cancer.

Chlorine is a chemical that disintegrates the ozone. Other everyday items that contribute Cottrell 2 to the devastation of the ozone include household refrigerants and exhaust fumes emitted from automobiles. Without the ozone layer the health of every single living being on planet Earth would be jeopardized. Ozone depletion leads to an increased exposure to ultraviolet light, which can cause many health problems. Exposure to ultraviolet light greatly increases the risks of skin cancer and cataract development.

Holes in the Ozone Layer Ozone, 03 is a highly important component of the earth's atmosphere. Close to the ground ozone, is produced by the action of light on exhaust fumes and so concentrates in areas of heavy traffic. In this was it can be a pollutant, it corrodes metal, can inhibit plant growth and cause irritation to the lungs and throat. Up in the stratosphere though, about 15-50km above the earth surface, ozone is beneficial as it intercepts much of the suns UV (ultraviolet) radiation that would otherwise reach the earth. Over exposure to UV causes damage to DNA in cells and increases chances of mutations.

From this study the awareness over the danger of the "hole" and ultraviolet radiation and the destruction being done to the earth. Scientists believe the expanding ozone hole, which is centered over Antarctica was caused by Chloroflurocarbons. CFCs are released into the environment through such sources as spray cans , air conditioners, factories, refrigerants and cleaning products. CFCs are dangerous to the atmosphere because after they are released into the environment, the sunlight breaks down the compound. The chlorine molecules react with the ozone molecules by permanently breaking down the molecule, thus diminishing the ozone layer.

The most noticeable effect is the risk of several types of skin cancer including malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. As ozone layer decays, hole forms in the layer which allows more radioactive rays to come in contact of human skin and results in various skin diseases. Constant exposure to UV radiation also causes early aging. It even creates photokeratitis and cataracts and damages immune system. It also leaves negative impression on other creatures along with plants.

The Toxicological Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident Radiation has both beneficial and harmful effects. The most detrimental health effect on humans, is the incidence of cancer, which has been studied. Humans are exposed to radiation more than they realize. They are exposed medically with x-rays, just by being outside with cosmic rays, and by accidents such as at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Exposure to radiation is high and more studies are done which improve radiation protection.