The ozone layer protects the Earth from new threats

Scientists warn the ozone layer to protect the Earth, which is slowly recovering from the impact of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 that prohibits chemicals harmful to the ozone layer, may face a threat. new.

According to a study published June 27 in the journal Nature Communications, scientists discovered in the stratosphere layers of dichloromethane , which are not currently on the Montreal Protocol's prohibition list.

These dichloromethane layers are increasing rapidly and may slow the recovery of the ozone layer.

Although it is not yet alarming, the effect of dichloromethane on the ozone layer has been markedly increased in recent years.

Scientists believe that the development of dichloromethane will reverse some of the progress achieved by the Montreal Protocol.

The concentration of dichloromethane in the stratosphere has nearly doubled since 2004.

The new study aims to determine the harmful effects of dichloromethane, often used as a solvent in paint cleaners, degreasers, as well as for caffeine removal in coffee.

The researchers found that dichloromethane concentrations in the stratosphere have nearly doubled since 2004.

If this speed is not blocked, the existence of dichloromethane can cause the ozone layer recovery process in Antarctica, where this protection layer is weakest, lasting more than a decade.

Experts emphasize that the study shows an urgent need to act soon to prevent unfortunate consequences and reaffirm the Earth's protection of the ozone layer as "a tough industrial and political challenge." far more than the previous guess ".

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere 10-50km away from the Earth's surface, which filters out harmful UV light that can cause cancer and damage crops.

The 1987 Montreal Protocol prohibits the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) in refrigerators, vapor sprays, air conditioners and insulating foam sheets after determining that CFC is the cause of a so-called "hole" hole. ozone.

CFC was replaced with hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) in the 1990s, a ozone layer safe but still has a high thermal retention effect in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

A revised version of the Montreal Protocol with updated HFC removal was signed in Kigali (Rwanda) last February.