Ozone Layer Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer is another consequence of global proportions of human activities. Ozone is a gas that naturally covers the planet, between 20 and 40 kilometers high and protects it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other cosmic radiation from outer space. If not for this protective layer, life on Earth would be impossible.

Recently scientists have observed an increasing thinning in the ozone layer. This decrease in thickness is greater in the Antarctic continent, where they have detected reductions in ozone concentrations of up to 20%.

The main causes are the decrease in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, which causes thinning.

CFCs, which are known under the trade name Freon. CFCs have been used in a variety of manufacturing processes and as many different products as a refrigerant, solvent in the electronics industry, in smelting processes and foaming, aerosol, fire extinguisher, drying agent, degreaser, as a key compound for the manufacture of insulating houses or other applications within households and as packaging material rigid foam insulation.

Among these compounds include CFCs, hydrocarbons mean chlorine and fluorine, and chevrons, which are hydrocarbons containing bromine, which as already indicated, are used as refrigerants, solvents, foam insulation, fire substances

Consequences:

• Human health  would be seriously affected by a number of diseases that can increase both in frequency and also severity such as measles, herpes, malaria, leprosy, chickenpox and skin cancer, all of cutaneous origin.
• Less food: ultraviolet radiation affect the ability of plants to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. It can also be reduced nutrient content and plant growth.
• Climate: It will vary by emissions of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), which may contribute to global warming. The atmosphere acts as a greenhouse to the ground to let in light, but retains heat. Increasing the amount of certain gases increases the ability of the land to block heat, which causes higher temperatures and climatic changes.
• The construction materials used in buildings, paints, packaging and many other places, are degraded by the action of ultraviolet radiation. Sea level rise as a result of the expansion of its waters when overheat and melt glaciers. Scientists argue that by 2050 the sea will increase from 0.3 to 1.2 meters, resulting in coastal flooding and erosion. Also they predict contamination of water supplies by the absence of salt water and will be affected the economy of coastal areas. Among other extreme events hurricanes, cyclones, intense cold waves and typhoons will occur.
• Genetic changes in flora and fauna.
•  Initiates and promotes the malignant cancer and nonmalignant skin.
•  Damages the immune system, exposing the person to the action of various bacteria and viruses.
• It causes eye damage, including cataracts.
•  Exposure to high doses of UV rays can damage the eyes, especially the cornea absorbs very easy these radiations. Sometimes they occur temporary blindness and chronic exposure is associated with increased ease of developing cataracts.
•  More severe causes sunburn and skin avejentan.
• Increases the risk of toxic allergic dermatitis.
•  Activates certain diseases by bacteria and viruses.
• Increase health care costs.
• Primarily impacts the indigenous population.
•  Reduces crop yields.
•  Reduces the performance of the fishing industry.

SOLUTIONS

• When showering and occupy the least possible amount of water.
• Do not leave water running keys if not occupying these.
• Prevents water leakage checking facilities home.
• Avoid putting hot food in the refrigerator, we save energy.
•   Open the refrigerator door as little as possible.
• Lights off when you're not using.
• Unplug all electronic appliances when you're using, thus also saving energy.
• When you're not occupying the computer and unplug it if you're going to reoccupy soon turns off the screen.
• Use only organic and aerosol sprays.
• Try not to use synthetic foams containing CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
• An old refrigerator, dumped in a landfill, lets out the CFC to better take it to a store that recycles CFCs in refrigerators.