Ozone Depletion and Environmental Impacts

Ozone forms a layer in the stratosphere that absorbs solar ultraviolet radiations. Increasing amounts of man-made chemicals are accelerating the speed at which ozone molecules are destroyed. These ozone-destroying chemicals mainly come from Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in a range of products from refrigerators and air-conditioners to soft foams and cleaning solvents; and from halons used for fire-fighting. Their quantities in the atmosphere have been rising rapidly since the mid 1970s. This book contains information about the composition and stratification of the atmosphere. Chemical processes in the stratosphere are described. The book also contains information related to impacts of increased ultraviolet-B radiation on human health, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles and different materials. Ultraviolet radiations are divided into three types according to wavelength. UV-A is unaffected by ozone reduction and is relatively harmless, UV-C is completely absorbed by atmospheric ozone and oxygen by UV-B is affected by decrease in the atmospheric ozone that causes most of the damage to plants, animals, microbes and materials. This book will be useful for post-graduate and graduate students of environmental science, environmental technology, life sciences, environmental engineering, researchers and teachers.