How Ozone Depletion Affects UV Levels
Scientists predict that ozone depletion should peak around year 2010. As world-wide controls reduce the release of CFCs and other ozone-eating substances, nature will repair the ozone layer. By year 2065 stratospheric ozone should return to the amount present in 1980. Until then, we can expect higher levels of UV radiation at the Earth’s surface. We need to take care to avoid the bad health effects that could result from too much UV radiation.
What Is Stratospheric Ozone?
Ozone is a natural gas that is found in two different layers of the atmosphere. One layer, called the troposphere, is at the Earth’s surface where we live. Ozone in the troposphere is “bad” because it dirties the air and helps make smog, which is unhealthful to breathe. The other layer, called the stratosphere, is miles above the Earth’s surface. Ozone in the stratosphere is “good” because it protects life on Earth by absorbing some of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Stratospheric ozone is found most often between six and 30 miles above the Earth’s surface.
What Is Being Done?
Countries around the world, including the United States, have seen the threats created by ozone depletion and agreed to a treaty called the Montreal Protocol. This Protocol will help humans to stop making and using ozone-eating chemicals.
For further reading follow link here: Ozone Layer | SunWise for Kids | US EPA.
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