Knowing the Substances that Can Damage the Ozone Layer in the Atmosphere
YOGYAKARTA - Substances that can damage the ozone layer in the atmosphere are important to know given their vital role for the sustainability of life on earth. The ozone layer serves as a natural shield that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Without this protection, the risk of environmental damage and human health disorders will increase dramatically.
As industrial activities develop, various man-made chemicals are released into the atmosphere. Some of these substances are proven to have great potential in damaging ozone molecules. So what substances can damage the ozone layer in the atmosphere? Check out the following review.
Ozone Layer DepletionAs reported by Climate Action-Europian Comission, the ozone layer is a concentration of ozone gas (O₃) that is mostly in the stratosphere at an altitude of about 15 to 35 kilometers above the Earth's surface. About 90 percent of atmospheric ozone is collected in this region and forms a natural shield from ultraviolet radiation.
Naturally, ozone concentrations can change due to temperature, weather, latitude, and natural activities such as volcanic eruptions. However, these natural factors cannot explain the ozone hole phenomenon that has emerged consistently in Antarctica since the 1980s. Scientific research then led to the role of man-made chemicals as the main cause.
Substances that can damage the ozone layerScientists found that chlorofluorocarbons (chlorofluorocarbons/CFCs) were the main cause of stratospheric ozone depletion. These substances began to be widely used since the late 1950s in refrigerators, air conditioners, and fire extinguishers. CFCs are known to be stable in the troposphere, but are very dangerous when they reach the stratosphere.
In the stratosphere, ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFC molecules and releases chlorine and bromine atoms. These atoms then react with ozone molecules and break them down in a chain reaction. One chlorine atom can even damage thousands of ozone molecules.
Severe ozone depletion causes the formation of ozone holes, especially in the polar regions. This phenomenon increases exposure to UV radiation that is harmful to humans, animals, and plants. The impact includes increased risk of skin cancer, eye damage, and disruption of marine ecosystems.
Substances that can damage the ozone layer in the atmosphere generally contain chlorine or bromine in the form of gas, including:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Halons (fully halogenated aliphatic carbons) Carbon tetrachloride Methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane) Methyl bromide Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) BromochloromethaneThese gases are regulated and monitored internationally through the Montreal Protocol. In addition to those covered by the Protocol, Regulation (EU) No 2024/590 also addresses the following substances:
1-Bromopropane (n-propyl bromide) Bromoethane (ethyl bromide) Trifluoroiodomethane (trifluoromethyl iodide) Chloromethane (methyl chloride) 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoro prop-1-ene (2-BTP) Dichloromethane (DCM) Tetrachlorethane (Perchloroethylene (PCE))Ozone layer monitoring is carried out through satellite technology and ground sensors, one of which is by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. This system provides real-time data on the level of stratospheric ozone globally. The information is used to monitor the ozone hole and trends in the recovery of the ozone layer.
It is important to know that some ozone-depleting substances (ozone-depleting substances/ODS) even have a global warming effect up to 16,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. This makes controlling ODS important not only for ozone, but also for the global climate.
Through global cooperation, strict regulations, and continuous monitoring, ozone layer protection can continue to be strengthened for a safer environmental future.
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