4 ways to minimize impact on the ozone layer

A movie called ‘The Core’ came out during the early 2000s to project an idea of what will happen if the core of the earth stopped revolving and its correlation with the ozone layer is severed. A hypothetical scenario such as this can become a possibility any day now. The dystopian realities of such a possibility are coming in front of us every day. In the 1970s, scientists noticed that the ozone layer was thinning. And even now that scientists say that the ozone might be healing, the effects in its absence have been long-lasting.

WHAT IS THE OZONE LAYER ?

When science is introduced to middle schoolers, the ozone layer is brought upon as the vastest topic for understanding the layers that protect us. The ozone layer is a thick blanket that exists in the stratosphere between 15 km and 30 km above the earth. It absorbs and saves the earth from most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV-B), cutting down on the amount of radiation that reaches the surface of our planet. Because this radiation leads to skin cancer and cataracts, the ozone layer plays an essential role in protecting human beings from harmful things. It also prevents radiation damage to plants, animals, and materials. Several aquatic animals depend on this layer for their healthy survival.

Researchers and scientists found evidence that linked the depletion of the ozone layer to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogen-source gases in the stratosphere. Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are synthetic chemicals, which are used around the world in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. The main uses of these substances were in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and fire extinguishers. Other imperative uses included aerosol propellants, solvents, and blowing agents for insulation foams. This makes for the constant and daily usage of such products. They are made easily available and can be accessed by common man which increases its sales which in turn harms the ozone layer exponentially.

In 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to create a universal pact. Substances covered by the protocol are referred to as ‘controlled substances’. The prominent substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide. The damage to the ozone layer caused by each of these substances is viewed as their ozone depletion potential (ODP).

The majorly used ozone-depleting chemicals are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform), carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and bromochloromethane (BCM). These can be commonly found in coolants, deodorants which are generally used by people in their everyday lives.

HOW CAN WE HELP PROTECT THE OZONE LAYER ?

While the exponential majority of ODS usage is either industrial or commercial, people can help in the following ways:

1. Avoid consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer

Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that does not use HCFCs as a refrigerant, buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants, Regulate and maintain air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and lessen refrigerant leakage.

 2. Minimize the use of cars

Use public transport. If you have a personal motor vehicle whose air-conditioners need servicing, make sure that the refrigerants are properly recovered and recycled instead of being vented to the atmosphere. Travel responsibly to reduce your individual carbon impact and prevent further damage to the atmosphere.

3. Buy local products

Through this process, you won’t just get fresh products but you avoid consuming food that has traveled long distances and is pumped with preservatives. As the distance increases, nitrous oxide is produced excessively due to the medium used to transport that product. Such products aren’t fit for consumption.

4. Use alternative products

Substitute food containers such as hydrocarbon-blown polystyrene, plastic film wrap, and bags, alternative packaging materials such as plastic film bubble wraps, and air-conditioning and refrigeration plants operating on non-HCFC refrigerants. Many households and personal aerosol products, e.g. paint sprays and insecticides, now use hydrocarbons (e.g. propane and butane) as propellants instead of HCFCs or CFCs.

Scientific monitoring shows signs that the ozone layer is starting to recover. Full recovery can’t be expected to occur before the middle of the 21st century. But, a better future can only be dreamt of through collective action. Hence, people should participate actively in making this planet healthier and passing this precious cargo onto the next generation.

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Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329713157_Atmospheric_burden_of_ozone_depleting_subs tances_ODSs_and_forecasting_ozone_layer_recovery