How Can the Harming of the Ozone Be Prevented?
Ozone is a type of gas that occurs on earth both near ground-level and in the stratosphere of earth's atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone is referred to as the ozone layer, as it is up to 30 miles thick in some places. The ozone layer serves to shield earth from ultraviolet rays coming from the sun; however, in the mid 1970's scientists discovered that human activities were depleting the ozone layer, causing a rise in UV rays reaching the earth. Because we know what some important agents that harm the ozone are, we can work to change habits and policies to protect the ozone layer.
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Why We Need Ozone
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The ultraviolet rays that the ozone blocks are harmful to humans' skin and eyes. Prolonged and repeated exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts in the eyes, premature aging of the skin and several types of skin cancers. UV rays also damage the small organisms living on the surface of aquatic habitats; these organisms are the base of the food chain, so a disturbance among them has far-reaching negative effects. The rays also damage fish, amphibians and some reptile eggs. Changes in the ozone level cause general unbalance in the earth's atmospheric cycles as well.
Greenhouse Gases
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Some substances specifically outlined by the Environmental Protection Act as agents negatively impacting the ozone are: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halon, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl bromide and bromochloromethane (BCM). Avoiding the use of these substances, often referred to as greenhouse gases, will prevent further ozone depletion. Look for these ingredients when you buy refrigerators, air conditioners, dry cleaning products, fumigants, fire extinguishers and cleaning solvents, which is how these substances are commercially consumed most often.
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Steps to Take Today
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If you have an older vehicle either for transportation or as an off-road vehicle used for farming, ensure that your air conditioner has been updated to use ozone-friendly synthetic gases. Similarly, if your refrigerator is an older model, research the manufacturer to ensure that your refrigerator is ozone safe. Research other items you consume that may have indirect effects on the ozone, such as the types of fumigants used by companies that produce food. If you buy foreign products, investigate the companies' policies on ozone depleting substances.
More Information
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For more information about the ozone layer, visit the United Nations Environment Program's journal, Ozon Action. (http://www.unep.org/ozonaction/) or read about the United States' Montreal Act, which is a policy calling for changes in the use of ozone depleting substances. (http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/fs/2009/115029.htm) For tips and information on everyday greener living, visit The Green Guide, National Geographic's environmentally friendly resource.
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- Photo Credit clouds image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
