Ozone

Depleted ozone allows more UV radiation to reach the surface, which is linked to skin cancer and cataracts. Stomach illness is not a recognized health effect of ozone depletion.

The stratospheric ozone layer is vital because it absorbs harmful UV radiation, helps regulate temperatures, and protects life on Earth. All these functions contribute to our survival.

Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight, typically from human pollution sources.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances, such as CFCs, that are responsible for ozone depletion.

International scientific assessments project that the ozone layer will recover to 1980 levels by approximately 2050, assuming continued compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

The ozone layer in the stratosphere acts as a shield, absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface.

Smog is primarily ground-level ozone formed by chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. It is not bacteria or directly CFCs.

While ozone is beneficial in the stratosphere, it is a toxic pollutant at ground level. Inhaling ozone can cause respiratory irritation and damage lung tissue.

An ozone molecule (O3) consists of three oxygen atoms bonded together.

The majority of atmospheric ozone is concentrated in the stratosphere, specifically within the ozone layer, which sits between 15 and 35 kilometers above the surface.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were historically used in a variety of applications, including refrigerants for refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as propellants and fire suppressants.