What are the environmental effects caused by ozone depletion?

Effects on the environment Excessive UV -B inhibits the growth processes of almost all green plants. There is concern that ozone depletion may lead to a loss of plant species and reduce global food supply. Any change in the balance of plant species can have serious effects, since all life is interconnected.

What are the 5 effects of ozone depletion?

Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion Studies demonstrate that an increase in UV-B rays causes a higher risk of skin cancer, plays a major role in malignant melanoma development, sunburns, quick ageing, eye cataracts, blindness and weekend immune system.

What is ozone and how does it affect the environment?

Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. It is a harmful gas and is present high up in the atmosphere. Ozone is an important gas for all kinds of ecosystems on earth as it protects the ecosystem from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiations cause skin cancer, cataract and affect our immune system.

How does ozone depletion affect plants and the environment?

Ozone causes considerable damage to plants around the world, including agricultural crops and plants in natural ecosystems. Ozone damages plants by entering leaf openings called stomata and oxidizing (burning) plant tissue during respiration. This damages the plant leaves and causes reduced survival.

What is ozone layer depletion causes and effects?

Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc. The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms.

How does ozone depletion affect plants and animals?

Scientists have demonstrated a direct reduction in phytoplankton production due to ozone depletion-related increases in UVB. UVB radiation has been found to cause damage to early developmental stages of fish, shrimp, crab, amphibians, and other marine animals.

What are the effects of ozone?

Ozone can damage the tissues of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation, and result in symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness and worsening of asthma symptoms. In addition, ozone causes substantial damage to crops, forests and native plants.

What are the harmful effects of ozone?

Human Health Effects Breathing ground-level ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the lining of the lungs.

How human activities affect the ozone layer?

Human activities cause the emission of halogen source gases that contain chlorine and bromine atoms. These emissions into the atmosphere ultimately lead to stratospheric ozone depletion. The source gases that con- tain only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine are called “chlo- rofluorocarbons,” usually abbreviated as CFCs.

What is the cause and effect of ozone depletion?

Explanation: Ozone depletion is primarily caused by human activities. The main effect of ozone depletion is an increase in UV-B rays reaching the earth’s surface. Causes : chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), halons, and other compounds deplete the ozone layer.

What is the biggest threat to the ozone layer?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is now the dominant ozone-depleting substance emitted by humans – and is likely to remain so throughout the century, a new study suggests.