Q for scientists: What effect does the hole in the ozone layer have on our oxygen and thus on us?

Question

Not looking for comments about skin cancer, etc.; am already aware of that. Am looking for broader or more basic effects. Thanks.

Answer 1

UV light doesn't have an effect on oxygen except maybe converting some to ozone. Ozone is not stable at high concentrations and converts back to oxygen. It is probably not possible for it to have much of an effect because it can't exist at high concentrations. If it converts to ozone, it corrects the no-ozone problem.

Answer 2

Ozone is a form of oxygen that has 3 oxygen atoms instead of the normal 2. Honestly the only reason it's important is it blocks harmful radiation in the upper atmosphere. Under natural conditions solar radiation converts oxygen to ozone. The basic problem currently is we have put lots of chemicals in to the upper atmosphere that convert ozone to normal oxygen. This is causing the total amount of ozone to be reduced and thus we get more radiation at the surface of the earth. It has no effect on the air we breath. It doesn't cause global warming. It just is bad for the skin and eyes.

Keep in mind in the upper atmosphere it's a good thing. You don't want to breath it down here near the surface of the earth. Ground level ozone is classified as a toxic pollutant by the EPA, and other health/environmental organizations.

Answer 3

I guess they're still teaching this ancient history in school. Other than what you mentioned, absolutely nothing. It doesn't affect breathing, it doesn't cause global warming.......