The ozone layer is a natural layer of gas in the upper atmosphere which protects humans and other living things from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun .
Why is the ozone layer important?
Why is Ozone Layer important? Ozone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun . Without the Ozone layer in the atmosphere, life on Earth would be very difficult. ... With a weakening of the Ozone Layer shield, humans would be more susceptible to skin cancer, cataracts and impaired immune systems.
Can Earth survive without the ozone layer?
Stratospheric ozone is found in the stratosphere, the second layer of the earth’s atmosphere, 10 to 30 miles above the surface. Life couldn’t exist without this protective ozone , which is also called the “ozone layer.” The sun gives off light, heat, and other types of radiation.
Why is it so important to protect the ozone layer?
It absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) , limiting the amount of this radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth. Because this radiation causes skin cancer and cataracts, the ozone layer plays an important role in protecting human health.
How is the ozone harmful to us?
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs . Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
What would happen if we had no ozone layer?
This natural sunscreen, known as Earth’s ozone layer, absorbs and blocks the majority of the sun’s UV radiation. Without this barrier in place, all of the radiation would reach Earth, damaging the DNA of plants and animals , like us humans.
Why can’t we repair the ozone layer?
But unfortunately, we can’t make more ozone to patch the hole. It takes a lot of energy to make ozone molecules — in the atmosphere, the intense energy of the sun drives most of the work. ... To repair the ozone layer, then, we must stop releasing ozone-depleting compounds into the atmosphere .
Why don’t we hear about the ozone hole anymore?
We don’t hear much about the hole in the ozone layer anymore. That’s because we’ve all but fixed it, thanks to consumer choices and a massive international agreement called the Montreal Protocol .
Can we make artificial ozone layer?
Ozone is naturally produced through certain types of chemical reactions. ... It is however less known that ozone can be artificially produced , so that it can be used for water treatment. Ozone generators can create ozone artificially by means of extremely high voltages or by means of UV-light.
How do we protect the ozone layer?
- Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer, due to their content or manufacturing process. ...
- Minimize the use of cars. ...
- Do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and to us. ...
- Buy local products.
How do humans affect the ozone layer?
Human activities cause the emission of halogen source gases that contain chlorine and bromine atoms . These emissions into the atmosphere ultimately lead to stratospheric ozone depletion. ... Because of these uses, halons are often directly released into the atmosphere.
How does ozone layer protect life on earth?
The ozone layer is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere around 15–30km above the earth’s surface. It covers the entire planet and protects life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun.
Where is the bad ozone located?
“Bad” ozone is found in the troposphere , the layer nearest the ground. Tropospheric ozone is a harmful pollutant which forms when sunlight alters various chemicals emitted by humans. “Good” ozone forms in the stratosphere, the next higher layer where some jet planes fly.
What are the symptoms of ozone exposure?
People exposed to elevated levels of ozone may experience a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom is a feeling of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat . Some people may also experience respiratory or heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing.
Can you smell ozone?
Ozone has a distinctive smell that humans can detect even in small concentrations — as few as 10 parts per billion. Here are some of the ways the smell of ozone is described: Metallic. Like a burning wire.
What will happen if the atmosphere is destroyed?
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.
