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ozone layer screens out most of the sun's harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.
UV causes our tans and sunburns. It is a natural part of the sun's rays
but has always been harmful. With damage to the ozone layer, the amount
of UV reaching us has increased slightly. This small increase doesn't
mean we can't enjoy being outdoors but we should always take precautions.
Good
and bad ozone
The ozone layer
contains almost all of the ozone gas that exists. This is "good"
ozone because it protects us from the sun's UV rays. At ground level we
find "bad" ozone, one cause of this is the emissions from car
exhausts. During the summer it causes smog in large cities. Unfortunately,
ground level ozone is increasing while stratospheric ozone is decreasing.
The best solution is to continue to reduce all gases affecting the ozone
layer.
What
are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals were first mass-produced in 1928
for use as refrigerants, industrial solvents, cleaning fluids and agents
in making foam products. In the late 1960s, they were widely used in spray
cans. In 1980, many countries banned CFC use in aerosol sprays.
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