The ozone layer is a layer of irritating, corrosive, colorless gas that absorbs 97-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which is damaging to life on earth. ( Sparling, "Ozone Depletion") Ozone layer depletion's history dates back to as early as 1956. In 1956, the first ground based measurements were taken in Halley Bay, Antarctica. The in the 1970's, satellite measurements were started. The first comprehensive worldwide satellite measurement happened in 1978 with the NIMBUS-7 satellite. The NIMBUS-7 carried on it two things, the TOMS (total ozone mapping spectrometer), and the SBUV (solar backscatter UV meter). The NIMBUS-7, along with other instruments, measured the amount of chlorofluorcarbons in the atmosphere. Chlorofluorcarbons were

first created in 1928 as a non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerant, by a commercial company called DuPont. CFC-12 was the first type of chlorofluorcarbon (1 single carbon w/ 2 chlorines, & 2 fluorine's) created. (

Depletion has a lasting effect on plants and animals, as well as human beings. Depletion of ozone can cause diseases, and other environmental problems for our earth. Ultra-violet radiation can cause dry skin, skin cancer (melanoma), cataracts, and other serious health problems. ("Ozone Depletion", pg. 38-39) People tend to only worry about people presently living, and how ozone depletion effects them. We do not think out pregnant women, or future pregnancies, and how ozone depletion causes birth defects. Ozone also causes respiratory problems such as scaring of the lungs, lung cancer, and other common lung diseases. The human immune system is also impaired as a result of ozone layer depletion. ("Impacts on Humans") Not only humans are effected though. Plants and animals are effected as greatly. A measurement of 55ppb is the danger point of trees, because at this point, ozone destroys chlorophyll necessary for the photosynthesis process. Also, the waxy cuticle covering of plants needed to help keep in water is degraded. Hair covered animals have just as much of a risk of getting skin cancer as hairless animals because the UV radiation can penetrate hair, or skin around the nose, mouth, or other areas of the body. (Bornman, pg.1) People neglect to educate themselves on how UV light can effect living things on earth. Animals can also develop respiratory problems as well. The ozone depletion is causing trees along the Appalachian crests to die. With fewer trees, animals have trouble finding food and shelter. Also, decreasing oxygen content in the mountains effects living things needing oxygen to live. Spruce trees in New York State have been cut down to 1/2 of its population due to ozone layer depletion effects. ("Eastern Forests", pg.209) Global warming increasing ozone depletion can also cause drought. Plants, animals, and human beings are important, so therefore, being educated about how ozone layer depletion effects them is a good idea.

Ozone layer depletion is a problem and it needs more attention. Left unattended, great harm can be done. Harmful chemicals such as CFC's produced by man, and hydrochloric acid from nature effect the ozone layer, the most important part of the earth's atmosphere. As a result of ozone depletion, health problems, as well as environmental problems have ri

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Approximate Word count = 1553
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)