World Ozone Day

A Reason to Smile

On this World Ozone Day, I present you my new post, “A Reason to Smile”.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a layer present in the lower part of Stratosphere from 20 to 30 kilometers consisting of ozone gas with chemical formula O3. It’s the layer which is responsible for safeguarding living beings on earth against the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the Sun. It was discovered in 1913.

Ozone Benefits:

Although the concentration of ozone in ozone layer is very small, yet it is vitally important to life as it absorbs biologically harmful Ultraviolet(UV) radiation coming from sun.

The ozone layer can be depleted by free radical catalysts, including nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydroxyl (OH), atomic chlorine (Cl), and atomic bromine (Br). While there are natural sources for these species, the concentrations of chlorine and bromine have increased in recent years due to man-made compounds like Chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFCs) and Bromo-fluoro-carbons.

Did you know this?

You also have contributed to the ozone layer depletion in one of the following way:
Ø You used AC’s and Refrigerators which emit a high concentration of CFCs.
Ø Sprays and fire extinguishers also lead to ozone depletion.
Ø Methyl bromide, used in pesticides is also a main chemical which depletes ozone layer.

The Ozone Hole:

Ozone hole basically refers to thinning of ozone layer over a particular geographical area. Ozone layer depletion was first spotted in 1970s. A hole was spotted over Antarctica region which spread over 10.05 million square miles (annual peak on September 12).

When the awareness spread:

In 1987, a treaty was signed between many countries to discontinue the use of ozone depleting chemicals. Now 180 nations have tied up with this treaty. In 1987, United Nations declared September 16 to be celebrated as Ozone Day all over the globe.

A Reason to Smile:

As a result of awareness and the treaty signed, no more depletion has been observed in the ozone layer over the last 9 years. It is assumed that the Ozone hole will be able to repair itself upto year 2050.