Question

what is ozone depletion

Answer 1

Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica. Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage.

Chemically speaking it is reduction in the concentration of ozone in the ozone layer. When compounds of chlorine or bromine like CFC, BFC reaches stratosphere these react with ozone and and disintegrates Ozone and makes depletion of ozone layer. This is known as Depletion of Ozone layer.

CFC: chlorofluorocarbons

BFC:bromofluorocarbons

These CFC, BFC compounds released from cooling devices like refregirator, air conditioners and fire extinguishers gases.