Ozone hole ... is shrinking

World Meteorological Organization (WWO) predicts ozone depletion in Antarctica, this year, is likely to be smaller than the loss in 2008.

" Climatic conditions, so far to date, show that the ozone layer hole in 2009 will be smaller than the gap in 2006 and 2008 ," the United Nations Agency said.

Antarctic ozone hole was discovered in the 1980s. This hole usually begins to form in August every year and reaches the maximum width at the end of September or early October, before it dies in the month. 12. The ozone hole area depends very much on the weather conditions each year.

Geir Braathen, WMO's ozone layer expert, said that this year the ozone layer hole appeared earlier than usual. The area of ​​the hole measured on September 16, is 14 million km ² . Meanwhile, the maximum width of the hole measured in 2008 was 27 million km ² and in 2007 it was 25 million km ² .

(Photo: NASA)

Experts also warned that the ozone layer hole in Antarctica was only fully healed, as early as 2075.

The ozone layer is very important for life on Earth, it helps us avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin burns and skin cancer. In addition, ultraviolet rays also damage plants .

Gases such as carbon (CFC) are used in modern equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, fire extinguishers, etc., which cause ozone layer holes. In 1987, the Protocol of Montreal Protocol decided the type of gas harmful to the ozone layer, away from industrial production. However, its harmful effects on the environment will last for many years.