Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) are chemical compounds that, when released into the atmosphere, have the potential to deplete or break down the ozone layer, particularly in the stratosphere. These substances are harmful because they contain chlorine, fluorine, carbon, and bromine atoms, which can catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): CFCs were widely used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, and in the production of foam materials. They release chlorine when they reach the stratosphere, which is highly destructive to ozone.
- Halons: Halons are used in fire extinguishing systems. They contain both chlorine and bromine, making them highly effective at destroying ozone.
- Carbon Tetrachloride: This compound was used in the production of CFCs and as a solvent. It releases chlorine when it breaks down in the atmosphere.
- Methyl Chloroform: Methyl chloroform was used as a solvent and in some industrial processes. Like CFCs, it releases chlorine when it breaks down in the atmosphere.
Ozone Layer – Causes, Effects & Depletion
Ozone Layer: Oxygen is a member of the chalcogen group of the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal that quickly forms oxides with most elements and other compounds. After hydrogen and helium, oxygen is the most abundant element on Earth and the universe’s third most common element. Diatomic oxygen gas makes up 20.95 % of the Earth’s atmosphere nowadays.
Ozone is too reactive at sea level to last long in the atmosphere. At a height of around 20 kilometers, it is created from air oxygen in the presence of sunshine. The ozone layer shields the surface of the world from UV radiation. It’s a diamagnetic, unstable gas with a pungent odor that protects the Earth from dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Ozone is a potent oxidant with a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. However, ozone damages mucous and respiratory tissues in mammals, as well as plant tissues, due to its strong oxidizing potential. While this makes ozone a serious respiratory hazard and pollutant near the ground, a higher ozone layer concentration is advantageous because it prevents harmful UV rays from reaching the Earth’s surface.
Table of Content
- What is Ozone Layer?
- Properties of Ozone
- Uses of Ozone
- Ozone Layer Depletion
- Cause of Ozone Layer Depletion
- Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)