TOPICAL SCIENCE
MAY 2018
M A Y
2 0 1 8
AUTHOR: M. FRANKLIN
Topical Science The Ozone Layer & The Montreal Protocol
In this issue Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: The ozone layer
Page 3 The Montreal Protocol
Page 4. Looking to the Future. Without the ozone layer, there would be a higher incidence of skin cancer in the population and more people would develop cataracts, leading to vision impairment.
The Ozone Layer, in the Stratosphere of Earth’s atmosphere, shields us from harmful UV radiation. But it is fragile. As summer approaches, many of us will head to the beach to enjoy the warm weather. No doubt we will apply sunscreen, to protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. But the ozone layer provides a natural protection from these rays. However, certain synthetic chlorine-containing chemicals can interact with ozone, causing depletion of the ozone layer.
Important Dates 1974 Molina & Rowland published a paper linking synthetic chlorofluorocarbons with ozone depletion.
1985 Computer images, using colour coding to show different levels of ozone, seem to show a ‘hole’ in the ozone layer over Antarctica.
1987 The Montreal Protocol was adopted, phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances.