The ozone layer on the Earth’s surface shields all existence from the sun’s dangerous rays, but human impacts have depleted this protective layer. Reduced safety from ultraviolet (UV) light provided by the ozone hole will, over time, cause crop damage as well as an increase in the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts. The majority of the ozone in the atmosphere is centralised in a layer in the stratosphere, approximately 9 to 18 miles (15 to 30 kilometres) just above Earth’s crust. Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, and it is a gas. In the stratosphere, ozone molecules are continuously being formed and destroyed at any given point in time. It has been measured for decades, and also the final quantity has stayed stable over that period. It is believed that the ozone layer in the stratosphere is responsible for preventing some of the sun’s radiation from reaching the planet’s surface. Most significantly, it soaks up the portion of ultraviolet light known as UVB. A variety of harmful effects of ultraviolet B radiation have been linked to the sun, including skin cancer and cataracts, as well as crop and marine life damage.
Ozone Layer Depletion
Once chlorine and bromine atoms make contact with ozone molecules in the stratosphere, they cause the ozone molecules to disintegrate completely. Before it has been cleared from the stratosphere, a single chlorine atom can deplete the atmosphere of over 100,000 ozone molecules. Ozone can be depleted much more rapidly than it can be replenished. When certain compounds are exposed to intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere, chlorine or bromine are released. These compounds, which are referred to as ozone-depleting substances, contribute to ozone depletion. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform are examples of organic dispersions that release chlorine. Halons and methyl bromide are examples of organic dispersions that release bromine. Even though ODS are emitted at the Earth’s crust, they have been eventually carried into the stratosphere in a process that involves anywhere from two to five years to complete.
Ozone Layer Depletion Equation
Solar radiation photolyzes an oxygen molecule, resulting in the formation of two oxygen radicals:
hv + O2 ———>2OOzone is produced as a result of the reaction between oxygen radicals and molecular oxygen.
O2 + O———> O3
Afterward, ozone reacts with second oxygen radical to create molecular oxygen.
O3 + O————> 2O2
By reacting with a photon, ozone can be recycled back into molecular oxygen.
O3 + hv————> O2 + O
Health Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion
The depletion of the ozone layer increases the level of ultraviolet B radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. UVB is known to cause non-melanoma skin cancer and to play a significant role in the development of malignant melanoma, according to laboratory and epidemiological studies. In addition, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has been connected to the development of eye problems, which are clouding the lens of the eye. Given that all sunlight contains some UVB, even in the presence of normal stratospheric ozone levels, it’s often essential to use sunscreen to defend your eyes and skin from the sun.
- Impact on Eyes
Cataracts are the most frequent cause of visual impairment today. If the amount of Ozone in the atmosphere decreases by one percent, the risk of cataracts will increase from 0.3 percent to 0.6 percent. Oxidative agents have the potential to damage the eye lens. The oxidative oxygen generated by UV radiation can cause severe damage to the eye lens, and UV radiation can also cause severe damage to the cornea of the eye. Photokeratitis, cataracts, and blindness are all conditions caused by ultraviolet rays.
- Impact on Skin
Skin cancer can be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. UV rays affect the structure of biomolecules, resulting in a variety of diseases in different people. The skin is perhaps the most frequently exposed part of the body to ultraviolet radiation. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are the two forms of the disease. Skin cancer is the most serious type of cancer and it is often fatal, whereas non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most popular type and it is less fatal. Sunburn and skin cancer are both caused by the depletion of the ozone layer. Additionally, ultraviolet radiations are willing to take responsibility for breast cancer and leukemia.
- Impact on Human Immunity
It has also been shown that exposure to UV radiations can cause immunosuppression, which can lead to skin cancer, infectious diseases, and other antigens being suppressed. It is believed that UV radiations cause immunosuppression in the skin by causing changes in photoreceptors and antigen-presenting cells to appear. Increased ozone depletion results in a reduction in the immune system’s ability to function.
- Impact of Food Scarcity on the Human Population
The depletion of the ozone layer is also contributing to the human population’s food shortage problem. It is believed that UV radiations are interfering with developmental and physiological processes, resulting in decreased crop productivity. The fact that humans are heavily reliant on crops for food means that, if the depletion of the ozone layer continues unabated, there is a significant risk that humans will face a severe shortage of food. Researchers have also discovered that UV radiation can be used to increase crop yields through the use of these applications of phytohormones, according to their findings.
Conclusion
Currently, the ozone layer is depleting at an alarming rate, which is a highly alarming situation. Chlorofluorocarbons are a significant contributor to ozone depletion. The use of these substances should be restricted or replaced with safer alternatives so that we can protect ourselves from the hazardous effects of ultraviolet radiation. The human eye and skin are the body parts that are most exposed to these types of radiation. To protect our bodies from harmful UV radiations, we should wear sunglasses and full-body clothing, especially during the summer months when the intensity of sunlight is high. As the ozone layer is depleting, there is a high incidence of blindness and skin cancer disease, and the incidence is increasing day by day. We should also apply sunblock creams to the areas of our bodies that are most exposed to the sun, such as our faces. Water from lakes should also not be consumed for drinking purposes because it may contain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to our bodies. Instead, we should obtain our drinking water from safe sources.