The Impact of Ozone Depletion by Chelsea Heredia

January 22, 2019

Cracks and holes in the ozone layer, first made apparent in the 1970s, initially demonstrated a threat most severe in Antarctica, but evidence reveals that this issue has an effect on the life and health of all of Earth’s organisms, including humans.

First of all, what is the ozone layer and what does it do for us? Ozone is a molecule that mostly resides in the stratosphere. Stratospheric ozone is like Earth’s “sunscreen”, serving as a shield to protect Earth’s surface from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. The ozone layer is extremely valuable since it absorbs over 90% of UV-A and UV-B radiation, which have enough energy to significantly damage to the living tissues and DNA of living organisms.

Starting in the late 1970s, though, atmospheric researchers and scientists found evidence that human activities were disrupting the ozone balance. Specifically, human production of chlorine-containing chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contributes to ozone depletion and thinning. CFCs are a family of organic compounds that are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, as propellants in aerosol cans for deodorant and insect repellent and in Styrofoam products. As a result of these applications, CFCs may have released and escaped into the atmosphere through old, broken appliances. The depletion caused an area of several reduced ozone concentrations over most of Antarctica, which has come to be called to “ozone hole.”

Throughout our childhood, we all remember watching movies like Happy Feet paint an ideal, flawless image of Antarctica and its environment. However, Antarctica’s ecosystem is not necessarily as pretty a picture as it might seem, especially after significant impacts of ozone thinning and depletion. In marine life, phytoplankton and zooplankton are sensitive to UV radiation. This is a problem because plankton play crucial roles in complex aquatic ecological food webs. As plankton make up the base of the marine food chain, changes in their number and species composition will species higher up on the food chain. In Antarctica, UV radiation has already reduced the plankton populations by between 6-12%, affecting aquatic chains at a foundational level. Around the world, UV-B radiation has been found to cause damage to early developmental stages of fish, shrimp, crab, amphibians, and other marine animals and more increases in UV-B exposure could affect the whole marine food chain. According to a United Nations study, UV radiation increased about 4% from 1979 to 1992.

Even though it seems that ozone depletion may not affect our daily lives or that it was a bigger problem in the last century, humans are affected and do experience health consequences today. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UV-B causes non-melanoma cancer and plays a major role in malignant melanoma development. Furthermore, it has been linked to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, skin cancer, and a suppressed immune system.

Fortunately, ozone depletion has been recognized on a global level. 24 nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. This was a commitment to concrete steps toward reducing CFC production 50% by 2000, and by far, the most far-reaching environmental treaty to date. I personally think it is admirable how countries that export CFC products prioritized the protection of Earth’s atmosphere over their domestic economic self-interests in this case. These efforts contributed to an estimated fall of chlorine concentration to 1 parts per billion (ppb) by 2100.

What can humans do to ensure that estimated drop in chlorine concentrations will stay on track until the next century?

Can the production of future technologies and appliances contribute to more ozone depletion?

How do you think that the decrease in ozone depletion and thinning will impact Antarctica and the rest of the world?

References

https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/health-and-environmental-effects-ozone-layer-depletion

http://www.ozone-hole.org.uk/14.php

http://earth.rice.edu/mtpe/atmo/atmosphere/topics/ozone/o3.html

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/postsecondary/features/F_Ozone.html

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/OzoneDepletionFAQs.htm

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/84382/un-panel-ozone-layer-on-the-road-to-recovery

Comments

Anonymous said…

This was a very informational post! It’s frightening to think about some of the potential effects of ozone depletion. Non-melanoma cancer, suppressed immune systems, and cataract development seem like horrifying consequences, and frankly, humans did cause this issue to worsen. While the Montreal Protocol and consumer awareness may decrease ozone depletion, I feel like additional technological developments and consumer demand for CFC using products (cleaners, air conditioners, insulation) will continue to deplete the ozone layer. I feel that perhaps once adverse health effects begin showing, people will begin to become more environmentally conscious about ozone depletion: too late.

January 22, 2019 at 8:20 PM

Anonymous said…

This post ties in well with what we are learning this unit. I find it worrying that the longer we, as humans, continue on the path of releasing CFC’s into the atmosphere, the more we let solar radiation sting the Earth. It is all well and good that 24 nations signed that they would work to lessen this, but I am worried that it is already too little too late. The ozone layer is what allows life to even exist on the Earth and we are destroying it. How long before its not just over the Antarctic? I hope that future technologies and advancements do not further take us down this road.

January 23, 2019 at 8:09 AM

Anonymous said…

This was well-written and very educational post. The signing of the Montreal Protocol was a great first step in reducing the amount of CFC’s into the atmosphere, however, I think the only way to protect the ozone layer is to phase out the use of CFC’s completely. In addition to their environmental impacts, CFC’s are toxic, flammable, and can result in serious injury or death if exposed to it. Since the discovery of the damage that CFC’s cause, scientists have been creating equally effective and less damaging alternatives, such as, dichlorodifluoromethane a.k.a “Freon”. Funding research and encouraging alternatives to CFC’s is the key to preventing and possibly reversing the damage done to the ozone layer.

January 23, 2019 at 2:04 PM

Anonymous said…

I agree with you Cole, this topic fits very well with this unit, and it is concerning to think about what damage has been done that will be irreversible. However, I wonder what can be done to do more than just slow the rate at which Ozone is depleted, but instead replace what has been taken away. In my research, I found that CFC’s were first used as a replacement for much more toxic materials in refrigeration units, and then gained traction in the multitude of products mentioned. So in that same frame of mind, what can we come up with that will do the job of the CFC’s without damaging the Ozone Layer

January 23, 2019 at 2:39 PM

Anonymous said…

This blog readily displays the significance of how presence of the stratosphere may secure an isolated environment where vulnerable species, such as humans or other animals, can live without worrying about the deadly UV rays and what it may cause to our planet. The theme is quite interconnected with what we are learning in class, as mentioned. Such instance simply shows the vast importance of how the stratosphere and its ozone layer can protect us from outer space materials.

January 23, 2019 at 5:53 PM

Anonymous said…

It’s scary to think how our everyday appliances and products can lead to the death of life on Antarctica and eventually life on Earth. Whenever someone mentions the ozone layer depletion, I tend to think of its effects on the environment directly around me. I always forget to consider how Antarctica has an ozone hole above it, and how that can affect everyone in the long run. To some people, the convenience of appliances with CFC like refrigerators could outweigh the consequences of using the chemical. However, it makes me hopeful to hear that countries have been taking active steps towards reducing the cause of the problem, and I hope it sets a good example and foundation of what leaders and people should do in the near future.

January 23, 2019 at 7:15 PM

Anonymous said…

Adding onto this comment, I too tend to think of just the impact on the environment rather than the effect it has on everyone who lives on this planet. To think that this issue can be a factor of issues among not only the animals and planet, but us as well is something that is very eye opening. I too hope that many others open themselves up to this topic, educating theirselves on the importance of protecting our ozone layer.

January 24, 2019 at 6:35 AM

Anonymous said…

Your comment was very insightful and I agree. Humans did cause this issue to worsen, yet we were initially unaware what we were doing, such as using aerosol and making styrofoam. These things seem beneficial and have a purpose in our lives, yet additional scientific research unveiled information about its detrimental effects on the environment, specifically the ozone layer. This shows just how essential it is for us, even as ordinary human beings, to do research on the substances we use that may be convenient, but harmful to our environment.

January 24, 2019 at 6:50 AM

Anonymous said…

Nice post. In good news, recent reports seem to show that the ozone hole is slowly beginning to fill up. This is an achievement that shows that when humanity puts their heads together, we can truly begin to right our environmental wrongdoings. However, it also shows how much of a long-lasting impact our actions have. The ozone hole still will not close for decades to come even if we completely eliminate our CFC usage and ozone-damaging practices. However, I believe that we can solve this issue in the end, and perhaps use it as an example for environmental collaboration in the future.

January 24, 2019 at 6:53 AM

Anonymous said…

This was a very informative read! Along with the detrimental effects that ozone depletion have on humans, it greatly affects plant and marine life as well. Excess UVB disrupts the movement of nutrients within a plant as well as its metabolism. Ozone depletion also affects marine life by impairing larval development in fish, shrimp, and crab, for example. It also disrupts biogeochemical cycles and can increase the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is good to know that 24 nations have taken precautions to reduce ozone depletion, but it is quite scary to know how much damage ozone depletion has already caused and will continue to cause if humans do not take proper action in an appropriate amount of time.

January 24, 2019 at 2:05 PM

Anonymous said…

What an enlightening post! It’s shocking that mundane activities such as using aerosol cans and styrofoam products can result in such severe impacts on the ozone layer — and by extension, human health. While I recognize and appreciate that the signing Montreal Protocol has helped reduce CFC production by 50% within 13 years, I believe that there must be more we, as members of society, can do to help reduce CFC production and ozone depletion. For example, we can consciously make the decision to purchase air-conditioning equipment, refrigerators, and aerosol products that do not contain CFCs. Moreover, we can ensure that refrigerators are properly recycled, and that we are updating outdated appliances to not use CFCs.

January 24, 2019 at 4:38 PM

Anonymous said…

I agree about the importance of the Montreal Protocol. This protocol has proven to have several positive effects - for example, scientists have noticed 20% less depletion stemming from the ban of CFCs. Additionally, chlorine levels (from chloroflurocarbons) declined by 0.8 percent each year. Another preventative measure was the Kigali Amendment, which added an agreement to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This group of chemicals replaced CFCs because they are ozone-safe. Unfortunately, HFCs can be thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change. For these reasons, it is necessary for people to limit their use of dangerous chemicals and search for ways to restore Earth's conditions.

January 24, 2019 at 5:44 PM

Anonymous said…

This was a very informative blog and interesting to read. I never completely understood ozone depletion or what the ozone hole in Antarctica was. However, now that I know of the long term negative impacts on human health that ozone depletion can cause, I looked into some ways people can help. I found that one of the main culprits of the release of HCFCs (hydro chlorofluorocarbons) are air conditioning and refrigerating appliances. It is important to buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant and regular inspections and maintenance of these appliances should be conducted to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage. Furthermore, when these appliances are being thrown out, the refrigerants must be properly recycled and recovered instead of being vented into the atmosphere. Overall, it’s shocking to think that everyday appliances which we don’t pay a second thought to could have such detrimental effects on the environment.

January 24, 2019 at 8:16 PM

Anonymous said…

I came across hydro chlorofluorocarbons when I was researching and writing my blog. A lot of nations have already been made aware of these harmful compounds and have been making legislature and regulations against them. Following the United Nations Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the use of HCFCs has been phased out in the UK and also in the majority of other developed countries. Across the world, nations have made regulations banning the use of HCFCs.

January 27, 2019 at 10:50 AM

Anonymous said…

In my own research, I discovered that Australia is facing large ozone depletion, causing massive health effects on the people occupying the land. For example, their risk of UV radiation has increased since the 1960s. In response, most of Australia has banned tanning beds (which also use UV radiation) in an attempt to lessen the impacts of UV radiation.

January 28, 2019 at 6:06 AM

Anonymous said…

I found this blog very interesting! Not only does this blog state the enviornmental impacts of the depletion of the ozone layer, but also you state the impacts on our health. Our health can be imapcted by the ozone layer, as a depletion can lead to melanoma. I did further research on the effects of the depletion of the ozone layer and found that it can also further the development of glaucoma. The UV rays that the ozone layer blocks have the ability to damage our immune systems, make breathing hard, and increase chest pain. These problems need to be resolved in order to help our enviornment, our health, and the animals and plants.

January 28, 2019 at 8:53 AM

Anonymous said…

I completely agree that although ozone depletion may not affect our daily lives, it is still an issue that we should be conscious of at all times. It is the root cause of people developing health hazards like skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays also damages to plants and plankton as well as cataracts. Many governments have banned various harmful chemical releasing products as an attempt to prevent ozone depletion. I found that nations around the globe got together in 1989 and formed the Montreal Protocol. The main aim behind this was to stop the usage of CFCs. However, the protocol did not include nitrous oxide which is the most fatal chemical that can destroy the ozone layer and is still in use. Governments across the world should take a strong stand for banning the use of this harmful compound to save the ozone layer.

January 28, 2019 at 9:54 AM

Anonymous said…

Although ozone depletion does not contribute to global warming, it is a major environmental problem. The ozone hole located above the Antarctic circle poses a grave danger. If it were to expand, marine and plant life in the Southern hemisphere would face the greatest risk. The UV rays may also damage DNA among all wildlife, which would be disastrous. Worryingly, a decrease in a percent of the ozone layer can increase the likelihood of skin cancer by 5%. Ozone depletion, therefore, is an issue that jeopardizes all life.

January 28, 2019 at 11:08 AM

Anonymous said…

I had always thought ozone depletion was very simply and that its only cause was carbon dioxide emissions, but it is actually a lot more complex than that. It’s cool that you took a movie like Happy Feet and revealed the disparity between what we are shown and what is actually going on. I think dropping chlorine can be accomplished by simply reducing the amount of wasted chlorine products and trying to find safer alternatives to these products. I think producing future technologies will both increase and decrease ozone depletion, because even while we produce products that emit more greenhouse gases and increase ozone depletion, it is just as plausible that we will produce technology to strengthen the ozone layer and reduce gas emissions. Decreasing ozone depletion will definitely help environments in places like Antarctica because the effects of climate change will be lessened and we can help to stabilize the environments affected by the warming of the earth.

January 28, 2019 at 7:36 PM

Anonymous said…

I was shocked to learn the devastating effects that the depletion of the ozone layer has on humans. Most people, including me, are unaware of such effects and paint the depletion of ozone in a non-serious light. However, it is important for more people to recognize what exactly the ozone layer is, why it is depleting, what its effects are, and what they can do to stop it. In my opinion, reasearch should be concentrated towards finding a way to block UV rays that are getting to humans due to the decreased ozone layer. If a solution to this problem can be found, it bodes well for future solutions to problems caused by the depleting ozone layer.

January 28, 2019 at 8:40 PM

Anonymous said…

I agree with both Jessica and Hannah: I haven't paid much attention to the existence of an ozone hole above Antarctica because I was unaware of the extent of its impact on the rest of the planet. Rather than looking further ahead and preventing drastic consequences in the long run, people often settle for using appliances that offer convenience in the short-term instead. The ozone layer depletion doesn't seem to have a visible impact on our daily lives, but we need to recognize that protecting the ozone layer is essentially the same as preserving life on Earth from harmful UV rays.

January 28, 2019 at 9:57 PM

Anonymous said…

It was amazing that you connected some of my fondest childhood memories and movies, Happy Feet, to ozone depletion. I, like many, imagined Antarctica as the land where the penguins roam and a pristine landscape that stretches for miles. However, after reading your post, I realize that even some of the most remote places on the Earth are going to be affected by the activities of humans thousands of miles away. Moreover, it is surprising that this ozone depletion can have such a direct impact in the form of causing cancer. Direct action needs to be taken, and this can be done by decreasing emissions, chlorine waste reduction, and the reduction of the use of CFC's and nitrous oxide.

January 28, 2019 at 10:15 PM

Anonymous said…

Whenever I think of ozone depletion issues, I typically apply it to my daily life and the enviriomnment around me. I think most people fail to associate Antarctica ozone depletion or the increasing occurrence of cancer. It is scary to think that the little basic things we do everyday can build up and harm us on such a major scale. The statistics surrounding non melanoma cancer and malignant melanoma are shocking and surprising. Additionally, I was very shocked and intrigued by the fact that Antartica’s enviromnment is actually in danger. Usually we fail to include i in basic discussions of ozone depletion as there isn’t a significant amount of people living there. However, I’m glad that more countries are taking action against this harmful phenomenon

January 29, 2019 at 6:34 AM

Anonymous said…

This comment has been removed by the author.

January 29, 2019 at 8:30 AM

Anonymous said…

It’s scary to think that the products we use in our everyday lives could be slowly but surely causing our own demise. The fact that many nations are working to reduce their production of chlorofluorocarbons is comforting, however. Hopefully, as we move into future development of technology and consumer products, the risk of damaging our ozone layer stays at the forefront of people’s minds and inspires the developers of such goods to carefully test the effects of their products before they are sold to the public. Monitoring both short and long term effects of new items to see how they would affect the ozone layer would prevent further production of CFC in material goods and perhaps prevent any other damaging compounds from being used in material goods, as well.

January 29, 2019 at 8:36 AM

Anonymous said…

This article was very informative!! Through my own research I found some very interesting information. I found that the decreases in the total ozone column was greater than 50 percent compared with historical values observed by satellite techniques. Antartica becomes extremely cold as a result of the lack of sunlight, these cold temperatures lead to the formation of PSC which convert chlorine into reactive molecules. When warmer air returns the break in chlorine atoms reacts and destroys the ozone layer. Because of the ozone depletion in Antartica, the rest of the world will be impacted. This Depletion can affect the temperature balance on earth. It absorbs the solar UV radiation, which heats the atmosphere, and also infrared radiation, trapping heat in the troposphere.

January 29, 2019 at 5:55 PM

Anonymous said…

Your article was really fascinating! It was really interesting to learn that all the things we “need” to live and enjoy may eventually lead to our end. Before reading your article I was under the impression that ozone depletion only occured because of carbon dioxide emission but after reading I've learned that it's because of many other factors. Some of these factors include the production of chlorofluorocarbons which are found in aerosol cans, insect repellent, and styrofoam. Who knew that simple daily products could affect the environment on such a large scale. I also feel like the creation of new technologies and products and increase this ozone depletion due to the release of chemicals while they are being produced, but I also feel that they can be produced in a way that is sustainable.

January 29, 2019 at 7:08 PM

Anonymous said…

I really enjoyed reading your article! Like some of us have already said, I did not know that main cause of the depletion in the ozone layer was caused by CFC, and with CDC being found in everyday appliances as well. I really liked how you put in the movie “Happy Feet,” and explained that what we see on a screen is not really how something is. One thing I know I can change is using less styrofoam. At my church, we have 4 water dispensers and to the left, there’s a closet where we keep boxes and boxes of styrofoam cups, plates and bowls. I should bring my own water bottle to fill up and drink, instead of using the styrofoam.

January 29, 2019 at 8:09 PM

Anonymous said…

I was shocked to learn about the devastating impacts caused by humans on remote areas such as Antarctica. Though ozone depletion doesn’t cause climate change which is an issue that has become very mainstream, it still has some alarming negative effects such as the UV ray damage. I researched what everyday items contain or release CFCs. They include air conditioners, pesticides, fire extinguishers, refrigerators, electric fans, fluorescent lamps and etc. I think we should make the move to produce these products in the future without using CFCs and don't emit ozone depleting gases to help stop the increase of ozone depletion.

January 29, 2019 at 9:25 PM

Anonymous said…

What you said about how movies like Happy Feet painting an unreal picture in our minds of what is really happening in Antarctica is so true. If the plankton and other marine animals continue to suffer from overexposure to UV rays, the entire food chain will suffer, causing all animals to suffer, and— perhaps— become extinct. Ozone depletion is such an immense problem for everyone on earth, and I’m so glad that you and so many others are starting to shine a light on it.

January 31, 2019 at 7:58 AM

Anonymous said…

Good post! I had always thought of the ozone layer as just being a part of the atmosphere. It hadn’t occurred to me that it was a specific part that was made up of very specific molecules. Upon further research, I found out that the ozone layer acts as a natural cleanser for all of the atmosphere and continually refreshes the air that in even in the troposphere. I also found out that current researchers are looking to see if these cleansing particles can also be a cure, as well as the preventative measures that they currently are, for cancer.

January 31, 2019 at 5:48 PM

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