Ozone Depletion Effects - Essay Example

CFCs are the chemicals that are emitted into the atmosphere from the propellant devices and various processes of refrigeration. CFCs keep accumulating into the lower atmosphere for years and years. With the passage of time, some CFCs happen to approach the stratosphere. The ultraviolet (UV) light in stratosphere destroys the bond between the chlorine (Cl) atoms in the molecule of CFC. The released Cl atom participates in the chemical reactions which result in the destruction of ozone, and the process continues: “Cl + O3 = ClO + O2Cl + O2 = ClO + O” (atmo.arizona.edu)Lack of sunlight is the fundamental reason for the facilitation of the above reactions.

Because of lack of sunlight in the winter season, the ozone hole vanishes in summer and reappears in winter every year. Therefore, this hole is not permanent. Ozone hole allows UV rays from the sun to reach us. 1% depletion of the ozone layer allows 2% more UV rays to enter the atmosphere (“Ozone Depletion”). This can be very harmful to humans and can cause skin cancer.