Meghan Hodges
The Earth's atmosphere is being destroyed by pollution in several ways. The ozone layer, which is located in the stratosphere, protects life on Earth by absorbing and dissipating harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun as heat. However, human activities such as the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol sprays and refrigerants have led to ozone depletion, creating a hole in the ozone. While this hole is diminishing, ground-level ozone, or tropospheric ozone, poses another threat. It is a harmful secondary pollutant and the main ingredient in smog, which irritates the eyes and throat and damages the lungs, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, particulate matter, or particle pollution, composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets, can enter the bloodstream and lungs, causing serious health issues. Climate change, driven by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from the combustion of fossil fuels, exacerbates these issues by intensifying smog and increasing allergenic air pollutants like mold and pollen.
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What You'll Learn
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
The ozone layer, a protective layer in the upper atmosphere that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, is being destroyed by pollution. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion. CFCs are fully or partially halogenated hydrocarbons that contain carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. They are produced as volatile derivatives of methane, ethane, and propane.
CFCs were first synthesized in 1928 by Thomas Midgley Jr. of General Motors as a safer alternative to the toxic gases used in refrigeration at the time, such as ammonia, sulphur dioxide, and chloromethane. CFCs are non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically stable, making them ideal for use in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol spray cans, blowing agents, and solvents. Due to their chemical stability, CFCs can persist in the atmosphere for up to 150 years and eventually reach the stratosphere.
In the stratosphere, CFCs break down under the impact of UV light, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with and destroy ozone molecules (O3). This process leads to a depletion of the ozone layer, which has significant consequences for life on Earth. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in blocking harmful UV radiation, and its depletion increases health risks such as skin ageing and skin cancer.
The harmful effects of CFCs on the ozone layer were first discovered in 1974 by Professor F. Sherwood Rowland and Dr. Mario Molina of the University of California. Their research sparked an environmental effort that led to the enactment of the Montreal Protocol, which phased out the manufacture and use of CFCs. Despite these efforts, recent reports have indicated an alarming increase in CFCs, suggesting unregulated use in certain regions.
To address the impact of CFCs on the atmosphere, groups are actively working on the disposal of legacy CFCs. Additionally, safer alternatives, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), are being adopted to replace CFCs in various applications. These collective efforts provide hope for the recovery of the ozone layer and the mitigation of the harmful effects of CFCs on our planet.
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Greenhouse gases
The Earth's atmosphere is being destroyed by pollution in the form of greenhouse gases, which trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride, and water vapour. These gases can remain in the atmosphere for extended periods, from a few years to thousands of years, and have a warming effect on the planet.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas that enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees, and other biological materials, as well as certain industrial processes. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has been steadily rising due to human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. As a result, the Earth's energy balance has been disrupted, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
Methane (CH4) is another important greenhouse gas. It is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Agricultural practices, land use, and the decay of organic waste in landfills also contribute to methane emissions. CH4 has a much higher global warming potential than CO2, but there is less of it in the atmosphere.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced through agricultural, industrial, and combustion activities. It also contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Fluorinated gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons, are synthetic greenhouse gases used in various household, commercial, and industrial applications. These gases are extremely potent and can trap much more heat than CO2.
The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations has led to rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, heat-related deaths, and the increased transmission of infectious diseases. Additionally, climate change exacerbates the production of allergenic air pollutants, such as mold and pollen, and creates conditions that increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, further contributing to air pollution.
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Ground-level ozone
Tropospheric ozone, or ground-level ozone, is a trace gas found in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. It has an average concentration of 20-30 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) and can reach close to 100 ppbv in polluted areas. While stratospheric ozone protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ground-level ozone is considered "bad" due to its negative impacts on human health and the environment.
To address ground-level ozone pollution, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented regulations and standards to reduce emissions and improve air quality. These include vehicle and transportation standards, regional haze and visibility rules, and the designation of attainment or nonattainment areas based on national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). States are required to develop implementation plans to improve air quality in nonattainment areas, outlining specific measures to reduce pollution.
Additionally, ground-level ozone can be monitored through remote sensing technology, such as LIDAR, and in-situ instruments like ozonesondes attached to meteorological balloons. These measurements help track ozone concentrations at different altitudes and contribute to air quality forecasts provided to the public. By understanding ground-level ozone levels, individuals can take precautionary measures to protect their health during periods of high pollution.
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Particulate matter
Regulatory agencies, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have implemented strategies to reduce particulate matter emissions and improve air quality. The EPA's national and regional rules aim to reduce emissions of pollutants that form particulate matter, helping state and local governments meet the Agency's national air quality standards. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a useful tool that informs individuals about the air quality in their area and provides guidance on protective actions to safeguard their health.
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Carbon dioxide
The burning of fossil fuels is a primary source of carbon dioxide emissions. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by 50%. In the 1960s, atmospheric carbon dioxide increased by about 0.8 parts per million (ppm) per year, on average. This rate has accelerated in recent decades, with the annual increase reaching 2.6 ppm per year between 2015 and 2024. The global average carbon dioxide level set a new record high of 422.7 ppm in 2024, according to some sources, while others state the figure was 422.8 ppm. In May 2024, carbon dioxide levels reached just under 427 ppm.
The increase in carbon dioxide is causing a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, where the gas absorbs heat radiating from the Earth's surface and re-releases it back towards the planet. This leads to rising global temperatures, resulting in climate change and its associated impacts, such as rising sea levels, more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and the increased transmission of infectious diseases.
In addition to the environmental consequences, elevated carbon dioxide levels contribute to air pollution, which has direct effects on human health. For example, ground-level ozone, a secondary pollutant formed from the reaction of primary pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds, can irritate the eyes and throat and damage the lungs. It can also harm forests, plants, and crops. Smog, which is intensified by increased heat and ultraviolet radiation, can have similar detrimental effects on human health, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
The ozone layer in the stratosphere, which is a protective layer that shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, is being destroyed by pollution.
The ozone layer is being destroyed by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-degrading chemicals.
CFCs mix with the atmosphere and rise to the stratosphere. There, the chlorine and bromine they contain initiate chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules.
Ozone layer depletion leads to increased health risks for humans, such as skin ageing and skin cancer, as more harmful UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface.
Countries around the world are phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol. This includes the phase-out of CFCs, halons, methyl chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride.
