in a short paragraph, describe how human actions have damaged the ozone layer course hero

by Prof. Selmer Effertz 6 min read

How human actions have damaged the ozone layer?

Human activities cause the emission of halogen source gases that contain chlorine and bromine atoms. These emissions into the atmosphere ultimately lead to stratospheric ozone depletion.

Which human activity would most likely contribute to ozone layer destruction?

Human emissions of chlorine- and bromine-containing gases have increased substantially since the middle of the 20th century (see Q16). The result has been global ozone depletion with the greatest losses occurring in polar regions (see Q11 to Q13).

What affects the ozone layer the most?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth's protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.

What emissions from human activities lead to ozone depletion and what are the principal steps in stratospheric ozone depletion caused by human activities?

The stratospheric ozone depletion process begins with the emission of halogen source gases by human activities and natural processes. Those emitted by human activities are also called ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Subsequent steps are accumulation, transport, conversion, chemical reaction, and removal.

How might humans and animals be impacted by ozone depletion?

Humans and Animals The cellular damage that UV rays can impose has major health implications, such as skin cancer, the formation of cataracts, blindness, and a weak immune system.Sep 13, 2021

What are the effects of ozone depletion on humans and plants?

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.

Why ozone layer is important for human life describe?

Why is Ozone Layer important? Ozone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun. Without the Ozone layer in the atmosphere, life on Earth would be very difficult. Plants cannot live and grow in heavy ultraviolet radiation, nor can the planktons that serve as food for most of the ocean life.

What happens if the ozone layer is destroyed?

radiation. A diminished ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. For people, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. Increased UV can also lead to reduced crop yield and disruptions in the marine food chain.Oct 23, 2020

Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?

The ozone layer's primary job is to block the Sun's dangerous ultra-violet rays. The ozone layer's depletion is a reason for concern because it will be unable to filter out ultra-violet radiation effectively, resulting in a variety of skin issues such as skin discoloration and skin cancer.

What are the human activities that lead to the depletion of soil?

These causes include road erosion, house construction, steep slope cultivation, tourism development, and animal trampling. These activities destroy surface vegetation and increase the potential for soil loss through exposed swallow holes (karst fissures).Mar 1, 2019

How can we protect the ozone layer from being destroyed?

Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant. Buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.

How is climate change affecting the ozone layer?

Ozone chemistry is very sensitive to temperature changes. Since temperatures in the Arctic stratosphere often come within a few degrees of the threshold for forming polar stratospheric clouds, further cooling of the stratosphere could cause these clouds to form more frequently and increase the severity of ozone losses.

The Connection Between Ozone Layer Depletion and UVB Radiation

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Reduced ozone levels as a result of ozone depletionA chemical destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer beyond natural reactions. Stratospheric ozone is constantly being created and destroyed through natural cycles. Various ozone-depleting substances (ODS), however, accelerate the destruction processes, resul…
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Effects on Human Health

  • Ozone layer depletion increases the amount of UVB that reaches the Earth’s surface. Laboratory and epidemiological studies demonstrate that UVB causes non-melanoma skin cancer and plays a major role in malignant melanoma development. In addition, UVB has been linked to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens. EPA uses the Atmospheric and Health Eff…
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Effects on Plants

  • UVB radiation affects the physiological and developmental processes of plants. Despite mechanisms to reduce or repair these effects and an ability to adapt to increased levels of UVB, plant growth can be directly affected by UVB radiation. Indirect changes caused by UVB (such as changes in plant form, how nutrients are distributed within the plant, timing of developmental ph…
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Effects on Marine Ecosystems

  • Phytoplankton form the foundation of aquatic food webs. Phytoplankton productivity is limited to the euphotic zone, the upper layer of the water column in which there is sufficient sunlight to support net productivity. Exposure to solar UVB radiation has been shown to affect both orientation and motility in phytoplankton, resulting in reduced survival rates for these organisms…
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Effects on Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Increases in UVB radiation could affect terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical cycles, thus altering both sources and sinks of greenhouse and chemically important trace gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulfide, ozone, and possibly other gases). These potential changes would contribute to biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks that mitigate or amplify the atmo…
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Effects on Materials

  • Synthetic polymers, naturally occurring biopolymers, as well as some other materials of commercial interest are adversely affected by UVB radiation. Today's materials are somewhat protected from UVB by special additives. Yet, increases in UVB levels will accelerate their breakdown, limiting the length of time for which they are useful outdoors.
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