Why is the ozone layer in the stratosphere called a protective layer?
Ozone layer as a protective layer: The ozone layer in the stratosphere is very useful to human beings because it absorbs the major part of harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. Therefore, it is called a protective layer. However, it has been observed that the ozone layer is getting depleted. One of the reasons for the depletion of the ozone layer is the action of aerosols spray propellants. Chemicals such as fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons are used as aerosol propellants. These compounds react with ozone gas in the atmosphere thereby depleting it. Scientists all over the world are worried about the destruction of the ozone layer. If the ozone layer in the atmosphere is significantly decreased, these harmful radiations would reach the earth and would cause many damages such as skin cancer, genetic disorders in man and other living forms. Efforts are being made to find substitutes for these chemicals that do not react with ozone.
