In a resolution, United Nations General Assembly has designated September 16 as World Ozone Day to immortalise the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. This day is observed as the international day for the preservation of the ozone layer.
Life on earth has been safeguarded for thousands of years because of a life protecting layer in the atmosphere. This layer composed of ozone acts as a shield to protect the earth against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The Ozone layer is unique to our planet. If the ozone layer weakens or disappears, the UV radiation would sterilize the surface of the globe, annihilating most terrestrial life. Ozone depleting man made chemicals emitted into the atmosphere are responsible for the depletion of ozone.
There are several layers of our earth’s atmosphere. Troposphere, being the lowest region, reaches out from the earth’s surface up to 10 km in height. Stratosphere is the next layer, which continues from 10 km to around 50 km. Generally most airline traffic occurs in the lower part of this level. At the very top of the stratosphere is the ozone layer. The suns rays are absorbed by the ozone in the stratosphere and thus do not reach the Earth. It may be noted that the highest region of the stratosphere contains about 90 per cent of all ozone.
Human beings breathe in oxygen, which consists of two oxygen atoms. On the other hand, ozone is a bluish gas, consisting of three atoms of oxygen and is represented as O3. If found on the surface of the planet, it is regarded as a dangerous pollutant responsible for producing the greenhouse effect.
The main function that ozone layer does is it protects the earth from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It absorbs the ultraviolet light and prevents various types of skin cancer and cataracts.
The production and emission of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) is the leading cause of the depletion of the ozone layer. In the lungs, ozone is known to react rapidly because it has limited solubility in water. Short-term ozone exposure, i.e, up to 8 hours can induce cough, pain and shortness of breath. Proper medical supervision is necessary for a person affected with ozone.
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are those substances which deplete the ozone layer. We are affected in our daily lives by CFCs, which are widely used in refrigerators, air-conditioners, fire extinguishers, in dry cleaning, as solvents for cleaning, electronic equipment and as agricultural fumigants. CFCs generally escape into the atmosphere from refrigeration and propellant devices.
In the lower atmosphere, CFCs remain in a chemically unchanged condition and can maintain in this condition for several years. Having such a long life, some of them finally reach the stratosphere. In the stratosphere, ultraviolet light of the sun breaks the bonds in CFC that holds chlorine atoms. A free chlorine atom from the CFC is thus released and starts destroying the ozone.
It should be noted here that only one chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. Other sources include Halons, which is an extremely effective fire-extinguishing agent. Methyl bromide, an effective soil fumigant, contains bromine. These compounds have long atmospheric lifetimes and eventually get transported by winds into the stratosphere.
Now, the ozone hole is not necessarily a “hole” where no ozone is present but it is a region of exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctica region. Antarctica has been an early victim of ozone destruction.
As ozone absorbs the ultraviolet light, it thus prevents various types of skin cancer and cataracts in human beings. Due to this, this Ozone hole life cycles of plants will change, which will ultimately disrupt the food chain. Effects on animals will also be severe and microscopic organisms such as planktons may not be able to survive.
All ecosystems like oceans, forests and deserts will also get affected. It is likely that wind patterns could change, ultimately resulting in climatic changes throughout the world. Acid rain may occur at any place.
To counter this situation, all countries should educate their citizens to plant trees. Deforestation should be stopped with rigorous laws. Measures should be taken to tackle forest fires. Although volcanic eruptions are unpredictable, still, governments should call for ways to mitigate the effects up to some extent. Alternatives to ozone-depleting substance should be devised and promoted by the governments, apart from banning the former altogether.
Many countries in the modern world have shown interest to put an end to CFC production. However, those industries that use CFCs do not have such mindsets and are reluctant to discontinue using this industrial chemical. Less ozone means less protection and hence more UVB reaches the Earth.
Instead of observing ozone days every year in different levels, its crucial to find out ways to preserve whatever left ozone layer, if not for us, for our next generations and for their health. Otherwise, there will be nobody to celebrate any likely-to-be-coined term in the future. We are collectively responsible in some way or the other for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Prolonged debates in all levels, including national and international levels are a total wastage of time, energy and money. Rather we all should start our individual roles right away, starting from minimizing the usage of ACs, coolants, aerosols, etc in every possible ways. Although these are not the only prescribed ways, they can still facilitate in proving the proverb that “Drops of water can make an ocean.”
By our individual small approaches, we can make a difference in maintaining the ozone layer. This is a golden chance to analyze the present situation and by concentrating and focusing attention toward this phenomenon, we should move ahead to do something substantial at the regional, global and national levels to protect the ozone layer.
Issued by:
Nagaland Pollution Control Board
