Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 356 | Word Count: 494
There are many causes of ozone layer depletion, all of them manmade compounds that enter the atmosphere. They are chloroflurocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. Once they have been released into the atmosphere, they remain there for as long as 200 years.
Of all the causes of ozone layer depletion, chloroflurocarbons are the most damaging. Unfortunately, these gases are used in a diverse range of industries in numerous ways. For instance, refrigerant gas is used in the operation of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Chloroflurocarbons are necessary in various firefighting equipment, aerosols, the manufacture of styrofoam and anesthetics.
Years of research have determined that chloroflurocarbons top the list of causes of ozone layer depletion because they are not destroyed by rain or broken down in the lower atmosphere. Once they reach the stratosphere, the sun's ultraviolet rays break down the compound, thus releasing chlorine. This resulting chlorine is what damages the ozone in a repetitive process. In fact, one chlorine atom will continue to destroy the ozone for as long as two years.
The gases fluorine, chlorine and bromine, all found in manmade halocarbons, are major causes of ozone layer depletion. The main contributors are chlorine atoms, which result from chloroflurocarbons molecules and bromine atoms, which result from halons. They significantly damage the ozone even through they are safe to use and cause no environmental harm on earth.
Free radicals, including hydroxyl, nitric oxide, atomic chlorine and bromine, are causes of ozone layer depletion. Currently, hydroxyl and nitric oxide occur in the stratosphere naturally. But chlorine and bromine are a result of human activity and their levels are increasing substantially.
Gradually over time, the causes of ozone layer depletion will significantly harm the earth. High levels of ultraviolet rays from the sun, or radiation exposure, will lead to soaring rates of skin cancer, a breakdown in the immune system in humans and animals, a destruction of plants and less plankton in oceans. In short, the balance of the earth's life system will be in upheaval.
Once various compounds were identified as causes of ozone layer depletion, protocols were put into place to decrease their usage. They include the U.S. Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocols. Their sole purpose is to reduce or phase-out substances that damage the ozone layer. Even with these efforts, it would take another century before these damaging substances totally disappear from the stratosphere. Once they do, the ozone layer can recuperate and return to its normal state in about 100 years.
Damage to the stratospheric ozone was first identified in 1974. If the causes of ozone layer depletion are not addressed, the end result would be global warming. As the temperature of the earth rises, weather events, like more droughts and stronger hurricanes, would occur and ice caps and glaciers would melt. As the ozone layer continues to wear down, the earth would be in direct contact with the sun's heat and its damaging ultraviolet rays.
About the Author
Daniel Stouffer has a lot more information on the need for good refrigerant gas management and more information on the causes of ozone layer depletion.
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