Ozone Essay, Research Paper

I do not think that until recent evidence of our depleting ozone, that the 20th century population showed much concern. I know that when I was younger it did not matter to me the importance of using an aerosol can of hair spray or a plastic pump non-aerosol hairspray. I figured that they were all the same. I feel that anyone without the education of the destruction would care either. It was not until I read about the evidence of our destruction that my ignorance of the ozone problem became too real.

Our Earth’s stratosphere ozone layer blocks the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The Earth relies on the ozone shield in the stratosphere, located 10 to 35 miles above the ground, to limit the destructive effects of ultraviolet rays. “In sufficient concentrations, these rays do more than burn; they kill” (Glazer 166). The most ordinary everyday things that we use: air conditioners, refrigerators, and even our cars are attacking the ozone layer that protects us. “The typical car air conditioner releases a type of gas from its coolant known as chloroflurocarbon (CFC), which contains chlorine, an ozone destroyer”(Glazer 166). Cases upon cases are surfacing that conclude our luxuries are beginning to cost us.

A few of the problems that we are facing in the areas of blindness, animal suffering, and human cases. Blindness: “March 1987, an unusually high number of individuals-14 nationwide-was reported to have suffered solar retinitis. This condition, normally observed only after someone has looked straight at an eclipse, is characterized by burns on the retina” (Glazer 171). 1992-”There are also preliminary reports of widespread blindness among rabbits, sheep, horses and cattle in southern Chile?”(Clark, cooper, Griffin 293). Skin cancer: “United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) foresees an annual increase of 300,000 cases of skin cancer year 2000″ (Clark, cooper, Griffin 293). Marine animals: “Preliminary findings show that phytoplankton (the microorganisms that make up the essential first link in the food chain) populations have dropped by up to 12 %?”(Clark, cooper, Griffin 293). In studies: “Melanoma is increasing faster than any other type of cancer in the United States. The number of cases of melanoma diagnosed has increased 83% in the past seven years and is expected to strike one out of 90 people by the end of the century”(Glazer 198). Other studies have concluded: weakening of the immune system caused by UV rays, chronic infection, and most important damage to crops (Clark, cooper, Griffin 293). So what to do now? “?The only feasible solution to ozone destruction is the Montreal Protocol approach: stopping the production and emission of CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals” (Clark, cooper, Griffin 294). Even then we still have decades before the layer could be restored to normal composition. The Clinton administration set fort a plan to cut gas emissions in the later months of 1993. “?about $60 billion dollars worth-in energy efficiency and emissions cuts. Without cuts, the USA will emit 6 million tons of gases from 1990 to 2000(”(Kanamine 3A).

The question that we had to answer, is it foolish to spent money in hopes to advert these problems? I reside in Pittsburgh one of the oldest steel mill cities. This area was the worst ever (as far as air and water pollution) in the 19th century. Ozone is not just a local air pollution problem. “Recent studies have shown that Pennsylvania could not meet the health-based standard for ozone unless air pollution that drifts from upwind states is reduced” (Hopey A-1). So, I say yes! Spend the money that needs to be spent in order to help with what is to come. Did you know that: “As air pollution levels increased, the accompanying increase in death rate was one-third higher among females than males (acoem.org). I still have the hope that with my help years and years from now, my great-great-great-great grandchildren are able to search the night skies for a star to wish on, and the cost of that; Priceless!!!J

Bibliography

References:

Book: Glazer, Sarah. 1987. Ozone Mystery. Editorial Research Reports, Congressional Quarterly’s.

Book: Clark, Charles S., Cooper, Mary H. and Griffin, Rodman D. Ozone depletion. The CQ Researcher, Congressional Quarterly’s.

Newspaper: Kanamine, Linda. 1993. Gas-reduction plan rooted in voluntary efforts. Today, 10/19/1993. 3A.

Newspaper: Hopey, Don. 1997. State seeks ozone relief. Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 8/15/1997. A-3.

Internet: Http://www.acoem.org/news/news83.htm, 01/12/2001