Ozone is a harmful gas, still we must protect it: know why?
Read on...
Mayank Dubey
What is Ozone Gas?
Ozone is a pale blue, harmful to life, smelly, and highly reactive gas present high up in the stratosphere.
It is nothing but dense Oxygen
Ozone, chemically represented as O₃, is made up of three atoms of oxygen.
It is this high-up location of ozone that makes it beneficial for us rather than harmful.
Had it been present closer to the earth's atmosphere, its greenhouse effect would be harmful to us leading to global warming and other disasters associated with it.
Where it is found?
It is found some 15-35 km above the surface of the Earth.
It occurs naturally as well as a man-made product
In the Stratosphere (Earth's upper atmosphere) and Troposphere (Earth's lower atmosphere.)
What if there is no ozone layer?
If this invisible shield is somehow taken away, be ready for immune system impairment for life on land, and phytoplankton productivity interference for ocean life.
How we contribute to Ozone Depletion?
By using ODS (ozone-depleting substances) like...
CFCs and HCFCs in refrigerators and air conditioners,
HCFCs and halons in fire extinguishers,
CFCs and HCFCs in foam
CFCs and HCFCs as aerosol propellants, and
methyl bromide for fumigation of soil, structures and goods to be imported or exported
How we can protect Ozone Layer
We can do our bit by doing activities that can minimize ozone layer depletion such as...
Use your Air-Conditioners to the minimum. If not possible, then at least maintain them properly. Use your refrigerator and freezer responsibly.
Limit driving. Use eco-friendly cleaning products, Avoid using pesticides, Reduce air pollution in other ways
World Ozone Day: 16 September, Facts that can be asked in Exams