Ozone hole - the problem of modernity

Ozone contained in the waste gases, which are emitted by enterprises and is a dangerous chemical.It is a very active element and can cause corrosion of structural elements of various structures.However, ozone in the atmosphere is converted into an invaluable aid, without which life on Earth could simply not exist.

layer of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, which follows the one in which we live.The upper part covers the ozone content in this layer - 3 molecules 10m. Other air molecules.Despite the fact that very low concentration, ozone, performs an essential function - it is capable of blocking the way of ultraviolet rays coming from the space simultaneously with sunlight.Rays of ultraviolet adversely affect the structure of living cells and can trigger the development of diseases such as cataracts, cancer and other serious illnesses.

At the heart of the protection of the ozone layer is the following principle.At that time, when the path of ultraviolet rays meet the oxygen molecules, their decomposition reaction occurs on the two oxygen atoms.The resulting atoms are combined with the undigested molecules, creating the ozone molecule consisting of 3 oxygen atoms.When meeting with UV ozone molecules, the latter destroys them to three oxygen atoms.Moment of splitting molecules accompanied by the release of heat, and the earth's surface, they do not reach.

ozone hole

process of converting oxygen into ozone, and vice versa is called the ozone-oxygen cycle.Its mechanism is balanced, however, the dynamic changes, depending on the intensity of solar radiation, and the season of natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions.Scientists have concluded that human livelihoods adversely affected by its thickness.Ozone depletion has been registered over the past decade in many places.In some cases, it disappeared completely.How to reduce the negative human impact on the said ring?

ozone hole caused by the problem that the process of destruction of the protective layer occurs much more intense than his generation.This is due to the fact that in the course of human life the atmosphere is polluted by various ozone-depleting compounds.This, above all, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, carbon and hydrogen.Scientists believe that the chlorofluorocarbon compounds are the main threat to the ozone layer.They are widely used in refrigeration, industrial solvents, air conditioners and aerosol sprays.

chlorine reaching the ozone layer, reacts with ozone molecules interact.The chemical reaction produces chlorine oxide and an oxygen molecule.At a meeting of chlorine oxide with a free oxygen atom there is one more interaction, in which chlorine is released, and there is an oxygen molecule.In the future, the chain is repeated, because chlorine is not able to go beyond the atmosphere and fall to the ground.Ozone hole - it is a consequence of the reduced concentration of the element due to its rapid cleavage when a layer in its foreign alien elements.

Places localization

largest ozone hole over the Antarctic is discovered.Their size is almost correspond to the area of ​​the continent.This area is inhabited by little, but scientists have expressed concern that the gap could spread to other areas of the planet, heavily populated.It is fraught with environmental disaster and the death of the Earth.

To prevent the reduction of the ozone layer, you must first reduce the number depleting substances emitted into the atmosphere.In 1987, the Montreal agreement was signed in 180 countries, which provides for reduction of emissions of substances containing chlorine, in a phased mode.Already ozone holes are reduced, and scientists have expressed the hope that the situation is corrected by 2050.