Introduction to Ozone Depletion
Ozone is a form of oxygen that forms high up in the atmosphere when sunlight breaks apart oxygen atoms. Most ozone in the atmosphere is found between 19 and 30 km above the Earth's surface where it forms the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as the planet's sunscreen, filtering out harmful UV rays coming from the Sun, which have many impacts at the surface, including damage to our health, wildlife and certain materials.
Since the 1970s we have realised that CFCs, man-made chemicals used in refrigeration, have been depleting ozone and damaging the ozone layer. The damage is worst over Antarctica, where a large ozone hole forms every spring in September and October.
Fortunately, we have banned the used of new CFCs. However, those already in the air will remain there for many years. If CFCs continue to thin the ozone layer, we must take extra precautions to protect ourselves from the Sun. In addition, we can all do our bit to help reduce future damage to the ozone layer.
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