What is Ozone Depletion with Facts, causes, and effects.
                     What is Ozone Depletion with 
Facts, causes, and effects?
What is Ozone Layer?
• The ozone layer is found in the lower 
portion of the earth’s atmosphere. 
• It has the potential to absorb around 97-
99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations 
coming from the sun that can damage life 
on earth. 
Source: byjus.com
Ozone Layer Depletion
• Ozone layer depletion is the gradual 
thinning of the earth’s ozone layer in the 
upper atmosphere caused due to the 
release of  chemical compounds containing 
gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries 
or other human activities.
Source: byjus.com
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion
• The ozone layer depletion is a major 
concern and is associated with a number of 
factors. 
– Chlorofluorocarbons
– Unregulated Rocket Launches
– Nitrogenous Compounds
Source: byjus.com
Chlorofluorocarbons
• Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of 
ozone layer depletion. These are released by 
solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-
conditioners, etc.
Source: byjus.com
Natural Causes
• The ozone layer has been found to be 
depleted by certain natural processes such 
as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. 
• But it does not cause more than 1-2% of the 
ozone layer depletion.
• The volcanic eruptions are also responsible 
for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Source: byjus.com
Ozone Depleting Substances 
(ODS)
• Following is the list of some main ozone-
depleting substances
– Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
– Halons
– Carbon tetrachloride
– Methyl chloroform
– Hydrofluorocarbons
Source: byjus.com
Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion
• The depletion of the ozone layer has 
harmful effects on the environment. 
– Effects on Human Health
– Effects on Animals
– Effects on the Environment
– Effects on Marine Life
Source: byjus.com
Effects on Human Health
• The humans will be directly exposed to the 
harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun due 
to the depletion of the ozone layer. 
• This might result in serious health issues 
among humans, such as skin diseases, 
cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick ageing and 
an weakened immune system.
Source: byjus.com
Effects on Marine Life
• Planktons are greatly affected by the 
exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. These 
are higher in the aquatic food chain. 
• If the planktons are destroyed, the 
organisms present in the lower food chain 
are also affected.
Source: byjus.com
Solutions to Ozone Layer 
Depletion
• The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious 
issue and various programmes have been 
launched by the government of various 
countries to prevent it.
– Avoid Using Pesticides
– Minimize the Use of Vehicles
– Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
– Use of Nitrous Oxide should be 
Prohibited
Source: byjus.com