Ozone Depletion and Policy
Researcher: Lakisha Mundon
Mentor: Dr. Waldo Rodriguez
Center for Materials Research, NSU
The ozone layer is earth's primary protection from uvB rays. These ozone
molecules are developed naturally under specific conditions in the stratosphere.
Satellite data and other studies show that the ozone layer is decreasing overall
seasonally. The major sources of destruction of ozone molecules happen to be
the use of CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals and introducing them to the
stratosphere. Decreasing ozone levels have a direct correlation with decreasing
phytoplankton levels andincreasing cases of skin cancer and development of
cataracts. In response to these findings, environmental policies were
developed and goals were used to curb alternating phases out of CFCs and other
chemicals that break down ozone molecules. Looking at TOMS satellite data from
1978-1993 and the Coastal Zone Color Scanner, skin cancer/cataract epidemiological
breakdown and CFC phase out data were used to determine the success of these
policies and forecast the future for statospheric ozone.
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