Hole in Arctic Ozone Layer Reaches Record Size

Ozone levels above the Arctic dropped an unprecedented 40 per cent this winter.

The battle to ban aerosol cans and other CFC-producing products is long over, but the ozone layer above the Earth's poles continues to endure the destructive effects of the long-lasting chemicals. Each winter a hole develops in the ozone layers at both ends of the Earth thanks to CFCs still in the atmosphere, but this year saw the largest-ever drop in ozone levels over the Arctic. The effect of ozone-destroying chemicals is exacerbated by cold temperatures, and scientists blame the 40 per cent reduction in ozone levels on extremely cold temperatures in the stratosphere 20 km above the Earth’s surface. Ozone filters out the sun’s ultraviolet-B rays, which have been linked to skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage.