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Question

what is ozone layer depletion ?

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Solution

Ozone (O3) is a form of oxygen and is more stable than the two-atom oxygen (O2). O3 is a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen. The ozone layer is found in the atmosphere at a height of about 15 to 30 km from the surface of the Earth.

Ozone is a poisonous gas that has harmful effects on the respiratory system of animals. However, this gas protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of sun. The ozone layer protects and prevents these ultraviolet radiations from reaching the Earth’s surface.

Some of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiations are given below.

  • Skin cancer

  • Cataract (clouding of the natural lens of the eye, thereby causing impairment of vision or blindness)

  • Reduction in plant growth

  • Decrease in productivity of crops

  • Reduced phytoplankton

  • Weakening of the immune system

  • Eye cancer etc.

This useful ozone layer is getting depleted as a result of pollution. The pollutants that are responsible for depleting the ozone layer are gases such as chlorine and fluorine.


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