Ozone depletion
By: Jake Meredith
Ozone Layer Depletion HD
What is Ozone
Ozone is a special form of oxygen molecule that has three atoms of oxygen instead of the air we breathe that has two oxygen. Ozone resides in the ozone layer which is in the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the second layer in the atmosphere and is above the troposphere which is where we live.
Ozone vs. Normal Oxygen
Oxygen on the periodic table
Ozone molecule
What is Ozone depletion
Ozone depletion starts when CFC's are released into the atmosphere. The bonds between the atoms of the CFC molecules break from the UV radiation. When CFC's break down they release a free chlorine atom which destroys Ozone. After a while, less and less ozone molecules weaken the Ozone layer and create holes in the ozone layer like the one over the south pole. These holes let UV radiation which is harmful to humans through the atmosphere.
What causes Ozone depletion
Ozone depletion is caused by CFC's ( chloroflourocarbons ) which are used as propellants in aerosol products like bug spray and hair spray. These CFC molecules float up into the atmosphere ans sit in the ozone layer. after a long time they decay from all of the UV radiation from the sun and releases a chlorine atom Which Destroys Ozone. This UV radiation is what the ozone layer absorbs and keeps it from hitting the earth.
What are the effects of ozone depletion
Effects of ozone depletion let UV radiation through which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other complications. UV radiation also kills plants and live cant survive without the Ozone layer protecting them.
How to reduce ozone depletion
To reduce ozone depletion is to just wait for all the CFC's in the atmosphere to go away and use as little amount of products that use CFC's as you can. This process will take many decades and will not be easy to do.
How to prevent ozone depletion
Use eco friendly products at home that don't have CFC's or other pollutants as much as possible. Try to use your car as efficiently as possible and try to use shorter routes and drive less. Avoid using pesticides.
Citations
- http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality1/48-08-ozone-treatment-cause-iron-manganese-removal.htm
- http://www.diffen.com/difference/Oxygen_vs_Ozone
- http://air-purifier-review.toptenreviews.com/air-purifier-vs.-ozone-generator.html
- http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/ozone_depletion_03
- http://inhabitat.com/the-ozone-hole-above-antarctica-is-as-big-as-north-america/