Question

What are the effects of thinning of the ozone layer?

Answer 1

Ozone layer:

1. It is a layer formed of the ozone gas in the upper region of the stratosphere.
2. It is crucial in absorbing the harmful ultraviolet radiation of solar energy.
3. Thus, the ozone layer protects us from the UV rays that can cause skin cancer.

Thinning of ozone layer:

1. The depletion or reduction in the ozone layer is caused due to the use of various ozone-depleting substances by human beings.
2. The industries are the major sources of ozone-depleting substances such as chemical Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, nitrogen oxides, halogens, etc.
3. These chemicals continuously find a way to reach the ozone and react with it which has led to the depletion of ozone and an ozone hole is formed.

Effects of thinning of layer :

1. The thinning of the ozone later occurs due to ozone-depleting substances resulting in the formation of an ozone hole which means the Ultraviolet rays from the sun directly reach the earth's surface.
2. It has been estimated that about a 5% loss of ozone results in a 10% increase in Ultraviolet radiation, reaching the earth's surface and causing damage to living organisms.

The Ultraviolet rays cause:

1. Exposure to UV rays increases the chances of skin cancers and cataracts in human beings.
2. Exposure to UV rays Weakened the immune system or decreased the functioning of the immune system
3. Inhibition of photosynthesis in plants.