|
 |
 |
|
 |
Ozone in the Earth's atmosphere is generally created by
ultraviolet light striking oxygen molecules, which consist
of two oxygen atoms (O2), creating two single
oxygen atoms, known as atomic oxygen. The atomic oxygen
then combines with a molecule of O2 to create
ozone, O3. |
 |
A free oxygen atom then takes away the oxygen from the
O3 and the final result is
an oxygen molecule and a chlorine atom, which then reinitiates
the cycle.
Chemical factors: Ozone can be destroyed by a number of
free radical catalysts of which the most important are
hydroxyl (OH), nitric oxide (NO) and atomic chlorine (Cl)
and bromine (Br). All of these radicals have both natural
and anthropogenic (manmade) sources |
 |
 Myth:
Spray cans deplete the ozone layer.
Fact: Spray cans have not used CFCs as
propellants for about 20 years.
Myth: CFCs cannot reach the stratosphere
because they are heavier than air.
Fact: Air in the lower atmosphere moves
in masses not as individual molecules. It is found that
CFCs and its product breakdown in the stratosphere
Myth: During winter ozone holes are created. There is no Sunlight to make new ozone.
Fact: The ozone hole occurs in the spring,
after sunlight Returns. There is little destruction or
creation of ozone during the winter. |
|
|
