Ozone depletion is a term used to describe two related phenomena concerning the earth's ozone layer. The first is the slow & constant deterioration of the amount of ozone in the earth's upper atmosphere at a rate of about 3 percent per decade. The second is the larger but seasonal decrease in the level of ozone in the atmosphere especially in the earth's Polar Regions, commonly called an ozone hole.

As we all know, the layer of ozone gas present in our atmosphere plays a very critical role in all chemical & biological process in our planet. Ozone filters out most of the very harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun & prevents radiation from reaching the earth's surface. Although, the levels of ozone in the atmosphere naturally rise & fall depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, & weather, the large amount of ozone lost in recent years can not actually be attributed to natural factors alone.

Human-made chemicals & gases have a significant role in the phenomena of ozone depletion. Aerosols & Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, which are primarily used as propellant & as refrigerant, were found to be responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. The depletion of the ozone layer poses a enormous risk to all chemical & biological process on the earth's surface. Exposure to radiation, which would otherwise have been blocked by a "healthier" ozone layer, have various damaging effects on all living organisms on earth.

Because of this, there has been a continuing worldwide concern regarding the preservation of the ozone layer & the phasing out of ozone depleting substances (ODS). Countries & international communities have initiated actions towards the reduction of ODS & finding ways to curb the further depletion of the earth's vital ozone layer. A significant milestone in this effort was the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer held in 1987 which encouraged the phase-out & reduction of ozone depleting substances over a time frame of many years.

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