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What is Ozone Layer Depletion? Describe its effects.

Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is created.

     Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high ultraviolet light, which then contributes to the ozone layer depletion. Such compounds are known as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform. Whereas, the ozone-depleting substances that contain bromine are halons, methyl bromide, and hydro bromofluorocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting substance. It is only when the chlorine atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not react with ozone. Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of ozone-depleting substances and minimise their concentration in the atmosphere to protect the ozone layer of the earth.

Effect on Human and Animal Health: Exposure to UVB can cause cataract and skin cancer in humans. It also affects the immune system thereby increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

Effect on Terrestrial Plants: The UVB radiation also affects the physiological and development, processes in plants. The photosynthesis in plants may be impaired leading to decrease in size, the productivity and the quality in many species. It can also cause mutations in plants. Hence, the biodiversity would be affected.

Effect on Aquatic Ecosystems: As the phytoplankton are the starting point in the food chain, reduction in phytoplankton on exposure to UV radiation would affect the fish productivity. In addition, the UV radiation can also damage the early development stages of many aquatic animals.

Effect on Materials: UVB also increases the rate of degradation of polymers

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