Before you dismiss the ozone layer as the main player in a great conspiracy, take time to read on the facts from years of scientific research. While scientific theory always leaves something more to be discovered and explored, we should trust in our own capacities to understand the vast complexities of the cosmos based on empirical data and documented phenomenon.
Let us go back to the backbone of the climate change study and first understand what the ozone layer is, what accounts for its existence, and what consequences would unravel without its presence in the earth’s atmosphere.
What is ozone (O3)?
Ozone is an atmospheric gas found in the earth’s stratosphere. It is created when a single-molecule oxygen combines with a double-molecule oxygen. The single molecule oxygen arose when molecular oxygen came into contact with the sun’s UV rays, thus breaking apart the bond of the two oxygen molecules. These single molecule oxygen then recombined with the normal double molecule oxygen, and the result is a gas that serves as the earth’s natural protection from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, which we now know as the ozone layer. When UV rays come into contact with this layer of gas, the UV rays become diminished and enter the earth only in shattered fragments.
Without the ozone layer shielding the planet from UV rays, the massive amount of UV rays that enter the earth will make most plant and animal life impossible.
The ozone is located 6 to 30 miles above the earth’s surface. When ultraviolet radiation strikes through the ozone’s protective veil, it gets chemically decomposed, hence entering the earth in shattered fragments.
How does the ozone get depleted?
Since the 1980s, scientific research drew its attention to the depletion of the ozone layer. Over the years, scientists have observed and documented the gradual decrease of the amount of ozone in the earth’s stratosphere. Their investigation led to the discovery of the harm done by a substance known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), which are used in refrigerants, coolants, insulating foam and solvents.
When chlorofluorocarbons are released into the air, winds take them up 30 miles and into the stratosphere. When the CFC molecules interact with the ozone molecules, the ozone molecules eventually decompose. In short, chlorofluorocarbons destroy ozone molecules by making the single molecule and double molecule oxygen break apart into separate pieces once more.
Aside from chlorofluorocarbons, a chemical called methyl bromide was also found to destroy the composition of ozone. Methyl bromide is commonly found in pesticides.
Another harmful chemical is the halon found in fire extinguishers. Methyl chloroform, a chemical found in industry grade solvents, can also destroy ozone.
Why should we protect the ozone?
It was mentioned above that massive amounts of ultraviolet rays entering the earth would make most animal and plant life impossible. This means that UV rays will create an unlivable earth—a very hot earth where no life can grow.
A violent spike in the earth’s temperature will lead to the disruption of natural ecosystems and food chains. As temperatures rise incrementally, the smallest living species such as plankton will first be eliminated. Soon, habitats will be in jeopardy due to the imbalance in food and sustenance. Like dominos, one species will fall down after the other.
The Montreal Protocol was established on January 1, 1989 and global efforts to reduce the use of harmful chemicals began. Businesses that refused to surrender their old refrigerants containing CFC had their licenses to operate confiscated or canceled. Oftentimes, companies who disobey the new environmental policies supported by the EPA are handed down heavy penalties and fines.
If your business is in need of a professional team to dispose, recover or recycle any old refrigerants lying around in your area, don’t hesitate to call us at Refrigerant Services. Avoid heavy penalties and do your part in preserving the balance of our planet by scheduling a refrigerant pick-up and exchange with us. Call 844-PURECFC (787-3232) to know more today. You can also schedule a pick-up directly from our website.
