There is often a reference in the media to the depletion of the ozone layer surrounding the earth and the serious effects this can have on our health. It is reported that a reduction in the ozone layer will lead to higher levels of Ultraviolet radiation (UV) reaching the earth and into our daily lives. How concerned should you be?
What is the Ozone Layer?
According to NASA, “ozone is an irritating, corrosive colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring”.[1] Up to 99% of the sun’s high frequency UV light, which is potentially damaging to life on earth, is absorbed by the ozone layer. The ozone layer was first measured in 1956 at Halley Bay, Antarctica. Measurements by satellite began about 1975 by the Nimbus-7 satellite and this activity today is managed by several different satellites which measure concentrations of ozone and other atmospheric gases. Weather balloons and some airplanes are also used to measure ozone. It is reported that “every 1% decrease in the ozone shield is projected to increase the amount of UV light exposure to the lower atmosphere by 2%”.[1]
What is Damaging the Ozone Layer?
Chlorofluourcarbons (CFCs) were first created in 1928 as non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerants. It was estimated in 1988 that over a billion kilograms of CFCs were being consumed worldwide because they were so desirable to industry. These CFCs were found in solvents, air conditioning, refrigeration, aerosols and foams, some of which can remain in the atmosphere for up to 200 years. It has been reported that intense UV solar radiation severs chlorines from CRCs which are then able to convert ozone molecules into oxygen molecules. While the growth rate of CFCs in the atmosphere is dropping due to Government regulation and industry awareness, it is reported that the stratospheric ozone will continue to deplete well in the 22nd century.
How Is Life On Earth Effected?
With an increase in UV radiation entering the atmosphere around the earth, many effects to life on earth have already been reported. For example, plant life has a limited ability to adapt to increased UV levels and physiological and developmental processes may be affected. Ocean, sea and lake organisms, such as phytoplankton, may not be able to survive additional UV exposure. This will diminish an important food source for many fish and amphibians. The reproductivity capacity and larval development of sea creatures may also be impaired.
Human beings may be faced with serious health issues including melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers and other skin conditions, cataracts and other eye damage and immune suppression, just to name a few.