What are the effects of depletion of ozone layer?
Ozone layer depletion causes increased UV radiation levels at the Earth’s surface, which is damaging to human health. Negative effects include increases in certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts and immune deficiency disorders.
What effect does ozone depletion have on environment?
The ozone layer acts as a natural filter, absorbing most of the sun’s burning ultraviolet ( UV ) rays. Stratospheric ozone depletion leads to an increase in UV -B that reach the earth’s surface, where it can disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials.
What are the main causes and effects of ozone layer depletion?
Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc. The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by the ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms.
What areas are most affected by ozone layer depletion?
The ozone hole over Antarctica is usually more pronounced on the South American side of the frozen continent. Countries that are affected by it the most are Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The largest ozone hole ever observed in the Antarctic was reported by NASA in September 2000.
What are the harmful effects of ozone depletion Class 10?
Harmful effects of ozone depletion are: (i) It can cause skin cancer. (ii) It damages the eyes by causing the eye disease called cataract. (iii) It damages the immune system by lowering the body’s resistance to diseases.
What human activities affect the ozone layer?
Fossil fuels destroy the ozone layer. The three major forms of fossil fuels are oil, natural gas, coal. Fossil fuels are used in cars, factories, and for electricity. These fuels are called fossil fuels because fossil fuels have been formed from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals.
How does air pollution affect the ozone layer?
The hole in the ozone layer is caused by air pollutants. Chemicals used as refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contain chlorine atoms. Releasing chlorine atoms into the atmosphere destroys ozone. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules.
Why is the greenhouse effect necessary?
‘Greenhouse gases’ are crucial to keeping our planet at a suitable temperature for life. Without the natural greenhouse effect, the heat emitted by the Earth would simply pass outwards from the Earth’s surface into space and the Earth would have an average temperature of about -20°C.
How do factories affect the ozone layer?
Chemicals used as refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contain chlorine atoms. Releasing chlorine atoms into the atmosphere destroys ozone. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules.