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Ozone

A gas that is made up of three oxygen atoms.

Recently there has been concern over the thinning of the ozone layer situated in the stratosphere, in particular the growing hole over the Antarctic. This layer has very little to do with the global climate but is of significance in the natural world regarding the health of living organisms and crops. Its main function is to provide protection from the Sun’s harmful UV rays.

The molecule can be broken down by compounds known as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which were very common in aerosol sprays and refrigeration systems in the 20th century, leading to the disintegration of the ozone layer. The situation is currently improving as regulations have been put into place over the use of these CFCs and other ozone depleting substances.

For information on the regulation of CFCs, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/strathome.html

For more general information on ozone and its depletion, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_depletion

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