Have you ever wondered why cricketers paint their faces white? Or why your mother insists to put on sunscreen lotion before stepping out during summer? This is because of UV rays. UV rays from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, cataract and harms the immune system.
Life on earth is protected from UV rays by a layer in the stratosphere called the ozone layer. Ozone is a gas made up of 3 oxygen atoms. This layer is just about 3-5mm thick. This thinly spread out gas has been protecting life on earth’s surface from UV rays for billions of years.
Our ozone shield is now being deteriorated due to certain man-made chemicals, primarily chlorofluorocarbons CFCs and nitrogen oxides NO2. CFCs are used in refrigeration systems, air conditioners, aerosol solvents. Nitrogen oxides are a by-product of fuel burning. For example aircraft exhausts.
Can we stop the depletion of the ozone layer?
Yes, we can. All we need to do is to reduce the production of those chemicals that cause the destruction of ozone like CFCs and NO2. So make sure your refrigeration systems or air conditioners do not have CFCs.
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