Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer is a band of gas high up in the part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, which protects the earth's surface from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light from the sun.

Some human made gases such as halons and CFC's used in some fridges, aerosols and air conditioners are believed to destroy stratospheric ozone.

These gases, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are greenhouse gases, absorbing some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, thereby effectively heating the Earth's surface.

Depletion of the ozone layer is predicted to lead to an increase in skin cancer.

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