International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (Sep. 16th)

Today (September 16th) marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer which commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol signed on September 16, 1987. The focus of this meeting was to help limit harmful emissions into the atmosphere which in turn would help improve and ultimately build back the ozone layer. This was monumental because this was a global effort to help prevent the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). This protocol has been instrumental in fostering an age of new technologies devoted to improving the planet.

We have all heard of the ozone layer, but what exactly is it and why should we care about it? Well, here in Florida, it is extremely important if we want to continue being able to enjoy our time outside in the sunshine. The ozone layer acts as a protective layer around the Earth helping to protect the organisms that live on it from the harmful UV rays from the sun. It achieves this by filtering out harmful radiation that tries to enter Earth’s atmosphere. ODSs, when entering the atmosphere, break up ozone molecules in the stratosphere layer which severely deteriorates and compromises the ozone layer leading to an increase in harmful UV rays and allowing more radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.

These UV rays provide heat and warmth to the Earth’s surface as well as provide much-needed nourishment for the organisms that live on the planet. However, these UV rays are also responsible for sunburns and are the reason we wear sunglasses outside on a sunny day. Over-exposure to certain UV rays can lead to many serious health issues such as cataracts, immune system suppression, and genetic damage to name a few. In addition, exposure could lead to more serious health concerns such as skin cancer. While UV rays are important to the survival of life on Earth, it’s also important to have safe health practices in place as well.

Safe Practices: