While many people are quick to agree that the ozone layer is imperative to our survival (which is ultimately true), none can answer the simple question of why that is.
The ozone layer is a field of gases far above us in the atmosphere composed of molecules that include three oxygen atoms bonded together.
The molecule 'ozone' just so happens to be our natural sunblock. It absorbs the sun's harmful UV rays.
Without it, not only would we be burnt in seconds outside and have a major skin cancer epidemic on our hands, but it would also be harmful to plants and wildlife.
Therefore, if we just chose to stay inside and avoid the sun our problems wouldn't vanish. Our sources of food would dwindle and we would eventually starve.
Now that you know what ozone is and why we need it to survive, it will be easier to know what is depleting it.
There is a lot of chemistry behind why a hole in the ozone has developed.
One of the main culprits is CFCs. CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbon which in broad terms means a chlorine and fluorine atom bonded to a carbon.
The reason why these molecules are so potent to ozone is that of their instability. The chlorine and fluorine atoms are some of the most electronegative atoms on the periodic table.
Therefore, when they are emitted and reach the ozone layer, the CFC molecule is broken down by the UV rays of the sun and the chlorine and fluorine atoms interfere with ozone and break it down.
CFCs come from household appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. They can also come from packing materials and aerosol cans.
All of this seems very frightening, but it can be easily prevented.
Three easy ways to protect our ozone are checking your fire extinguishers. Make sure the main ingredient is not a "halon". If it is, recycle it properly or call your local fire department.
Be mindful of the aerosol products you purchase. Even though CFCs have been banned nearly everywhere, it is still imperative to check that CFC is not the main ingredient in your hairspray.
Finally, dispose of your old refrigerators that date anywhere before 1995.
There are many more efficient ways to protect the ozone layer. Perhaps you can do your research and do a little activating.
