Study: Ozone Layer Decline Leveling Off

  • The ozone layer helps to protect Earth from UV radiation. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

A new study shows the ozone layer decline is leveling off. Ozone 10 to 20 miles above the Earth protects the planet from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Erin Toner reports:

Transcript

A new study shows the ozone layer decline is leveling off. Ozone 10 to 20 miles above the Earth protects the planet from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Erin Toner reports:


The study says a leveling off in the ozone layer decline follows a 1987 international agreement. It established controls for chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. The chemicals were used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and industrial cleaning.


Scientists say CFCs are the primary source of ozone destruction. Betsy Weatherhead is with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She says despite the encouraging news, the ozone layer is still depleted.


“That means high UV radiation, which means that we still have to be vigilant about protecting our skin, protecting our eyes, and taking special care with our children.”


The study observed small increases in the ozone layer in some regions, but researchers say because CFCs stay in the atmosphere for decades, it may be forty years before the ozone layer is significantly repaired.


For the GLRC, I’m Erin Toner.

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