What is Ozone? How it is depleted by harmful gases?
Ozone (O3) is a molecule formed by three atoms of oxygen. Normally, O2 is present in atmosphere which refers to as oxygen. It is essential for all aerobic forms of life. Ozone is a deadly poison. However, at the higher levels of the atmosphere, Ozone shields the surface of the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the sun. This radiation causes severe skin problems like skin cancer, cataract, etc. Ozone is the product which we get; when the UV rays splits the oxygen (O2) atoms into O and O atoms. These splited atoms mixes with (O2) atoms to form (O3) atoms. In this way, Ozone is formed. The decrease of ozone has been linked to synthetic chemicals like chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) which are used in refrigerants, fire extinguishers and Air conditioners. Chloroflurocarbons composed of three elements:
1. Chlorine
2. Flurine
3. Carbon