StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Role of the Ozone Layer in Environmental Well-Being - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "Role of the Ozone Layer in Environmental Well-Being" names optimum concentrations of the ozone layer.  This has been instigated by the fear of diminishing crop yields and various kinds of pathologies for both humans and animals - kin cancers, disturbance of respiratory function, etc…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.2% of users find it useful
Role of the Ozone Layer in Environmental Well-Being
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Role of the Ozone Layer in Environmental Well-Being"

The ozone layer is the earth’s natural sunscreen; it absorbs up to 99% of the suns’ high-frequency ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet rays are harmful to all forms of life on earth (Starr and Evans 44).

If the ozone layer gets ultra-thin, people would be exposed to more UV radiation. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancers. High levels of UV levels would also harm wildlife and plants. If plants get affected, they are unable to carry out photosynthesis. Consequently, there would be a slowdown in the release of oxygen into the atmosphere (Miller and Spoolman 24).

Scientists worry that the ozone layer is getting thinner and thinner every day. This trend began in the 1970s. Since the 80s, the level of the ozone layer has been decreasing at a constant rate. By the 90s, the level of the ozone layer had reduced by 3-4 % of the initial levels. A strong reduction in the ozone layer level has been observed in Antarctica, where the decrease is up to 50 % (Roshchina 4).

Ozone depletion is closely associated with the use of chemicals, especially chlorofluorocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons were widely used in aerosol cans as coolants. The chemical compounds penetrate the upper atmosphere as a result of nuclear explosions, space flights, flights of supersonic aircraft, and applications of chlorogenic fertilizers in agriculture as well as by other means (Roshchina 4). Some countries have since banned the use of those chemicals as well as other ozone-depleting chemicals. The main effect of ozone depletion in the atmosphere is the increase in ultraviolet radiation to levels that are dangerous to all forms of life (250-320mm).

Ultraviolet radiation strengthened by a reduction in the level of the ozone layer around the earth causes chromospheres to be activated. This leads to biochemical changes in the cells. The result is the formation of tumors, skin cancers, cataracts, immune-system problems, and other potential injuries to human beings. Changes in the ecosystem conditions can also be observed around the ground. Therefore, the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer protects living organisms. Protection of the nucleic acids and proteins is crucial because damage to these substances can result in mutations and even the destruction of cells (Starr and Evans 44).

Near the ground level, ozone is a pollutant. This is because it causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tracts of human beings and wildlife. Ozone near the ground level also interferes with the growth of plants. This usually occurs when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, released by the combustion of fossil fuels, are exposed to sunlight. Ozone levels vary daily. The amounts of ozone depend on latitude, season, and climate. The levels are normally high during the day and the warm seasons. Ozone pollution can be avoided by reducing the combustion of fossil fuels into the air (Starr and Evans 44).

Ozone is toxic and corrosive. Repeated inhaling of ozone may permanently damage the lungs and lead to respiratory infections. Exposure to ozone may induce lung infection or aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. It may also cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It is dangerous to people who like to spend lots of time in the outdoors, especially in warm weather. Older people and children are at a higher risk in the population as their lungs have reduced capacity. Ground-level ozone kills seedlings and damages leaves which makes plants more prone to harsh weather, pests, and diseases (Miller and Spoolman 25).

However, ozone has some potential benefits. It is essential in maintaining the thermal status of the atmosphere. Ozone helps to contain the energy radiated by the earth in the infrared range such that the thermal balance of the planet is kept in a steady state. This prevents the rapid cooling of the planet earth. If stratospheric ozone decreases, its concentration in the ground-level layer of the air may increase and may rise up to toxic levels. Small amounts of ozone are beneficial in stimulating plant development as ozone can modify the efficiency of regulatory processes in living organisms. Oxidizing properties of ozone could be useful as a disinfectant for the purification of water (Miller and Spoolman 25). Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Describe how the ozone layer shields those on earth from harmful uv Essay”, n.d.)
Describe how the ozone layer shields those on earth from harmful uv Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1436219-describe-how-the-ozone-layer-shields-those-on
(Describe How the Ozone Layer Shields Those on Earth from Harmful Uv Essay)
Describe How the Ozone Layer Shields Those on Earth from Harmful Uv Essay. https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1436219-describe-how-the-ozone-layer-shields-those-on.
“Describe How the Ozone Layer Shields Those on Earth from Harmful Uv Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1436219-describe-how-the-ozone-layer-shields-those-on.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Role of the Ozone Layer in Environmental Well-Being

Ozone depletion causes global warming

In line with that, it would help in the discussion if the ozone layer and global warming are both defined.... A more detailed explanation regarding the ozone layer would be better in explaining the importance of its existence.... Ozone layer is considered as a sub-layer in the atmosphere which has an altitude of 10 to 35 kilometers.... ozone layer is the “blanket” that is considered essential for the survival of all living things on earth....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

The Environmental Problems

The environmental problems at a global ground include the depletion he natural resources, pollution of water, air, pollution by toxic chemicals , bio diversity loss, depletion of the ozone layer and the global warming among other issues.... This paper ''The environmental Problems'' tells us that environmental harm takes place each time there occurs an alteration in the quality or else the quantity of any given environmental aspect which holds both a direct and indirect effect on the health and the welfare of a man in an undesirable manner....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

A Sense of Environmental Consideration

The increased temperatures in the atmosphere may affect the ozone layer, causing its depletion.... Natural causes of environmental degradation may involve volcanic eruptions as well as natural disasters.... Anthropogenic causes of environmental degradation include industrial activities, mining, agriculture and developmental infrastructure.... This leads to environmental degradation through loss of soil fertility, thus reducing the agricultural potentials....
9 Pages (2250 words) Research Paper

Ozone Layer Depletion Issues

The depletion of the ozone layer causes problems where direct UV rays from the sun pose a health risk to human beings.... For instance, the ozone hole that became noticeable towards the end of the 19th century denotes a region in which the depletion of the ozone layer is quite severe such that it is below 200 Dobson units (Bakers, 2000; Monahan, 1991).... Siva and Reddy (2011) describe the ozone layer as the sunscreen of the earth.... the ozone layer's thickness varies with geographical locations and seasons....
12 Pages (3000 words) Essay

Effect of Ozone Layer of Greenhouse Effect

Without, this rigorous step, CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) would have destroyed two-thirds of the ozone layer by 2065, millions of cancer cases would have been introduced and potentially half of the global agriculture would have been lost.... Accordingly, the ozone layer is witnessing a phase of recovery that is likely to be accomplished by 2065.... The paper "Effect of ozone layer of Greenhouse Effect" highlights that over the centuries animals have adapted themselves to the climatic conditions of their habitats, altered climatic conditions may not be suitable for their survival as a result they may perish....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper

Historical Background, as well as Scientific Foundations of the Ozone Hole

the ozone layer happens to be a layer within the atmosphere of the earth, which contains comparatively high ozone (03) This layer does absorb 97 percent to 99 percent of the high-frequency ultraviolet light of the sun which can be possibly destructive to the life on earth.... These researchers get protection from the UV light which has increased from warm winter clothing, hence the ozone layer health effect concerns are minimal.... More that 90 percent of the ozone within the earth's atmosphere is existing here “comparatively high” meaning several parts/million- considerably higher than concentrations within the lower atmosphere, however, still lesser compared to the key atmospheric components....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Approaches to Environmental Management Policy: Ozone Layer Depletion

The depletion of the ozone layer involves two different phenomena that have been observed since the period towards the late 1970s.... The chemicals are leading to the deterioration of the ozone layer allowing huge amounts of hazardous ultraviolet B rays, which in return contribute to skin cancer as well as cataracts among humans besides the harm caused to animals by the same rays.... Siva and Reddy (2011) describe the ozone layer as the sunscreen of the earth....
17 Pages (4250 words) Research Paper

Stratospheric Ozone Hole: A Severe Threat to the Existence of Terrestrial Life

In 1984, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered a dramatic depletion of the ozone layer.... Destruction of the ozone layer increases the presence of UV-B in the terrestrial atmosphere and, meanwhile, it also increases the risk of health effects.... the ozone layer protects terrestrial life from harmful solar ultraviolet radiation.... the ozone layer plays a very important role in the existence of life as well as maintaining the ecological balance on the Earth....
7 Pages (1750 words) Term Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us