The eighties: big hair, tactfully placed hair spray and toxic chemicals being released into the atmosphere.
Huge hair was no doubt an icon of the eighties, but it also left its mark on the environment. This is because common items such as hair spray, air conditioners, select vehicles, and aerosol sprays at this time all contained the component that sparked the deterioration of the ozone.
The chemicals responsible for ozone depletion are known as CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration explains their effect on environment as being harmful to plants and animals when exposed to it. NOAA also reports that chlorine, one of the active chemicals in CFCs, becomes active in destroying the ozone in the stratosphere. when released.
Some argue that the concern is minimal because the environment has a way of repairing itself. However, scientists, climatologists and meteorologists will affirm that the concern is real. It takes about 150 years for CFCs to break down in the ozone.
At the rate hair spray was used 35 years ago, damage to the ozone layer became increasingly concerning. This damage was unregulated and unprecedented until legislation to regulate harmful chemicals in the atmosphere, known as the Montreal Protocol, were enacted in 1985. The effects of CFCs show in any Google search of “hole in the ozone.”
Today, our government still tries to regulate the impact of CFCs. Although the Montreal Protocol ratified how much ozone depleting chemicals can be released, they are still active in select older vehicles, aerosol sprays, air conditioners and hair sprays.
That is why our government enacted Ozone Days. I had heard of this day before but never understood its significance. Ozone Days are our government’s attempt to minimize CFC emissions and protect our ozone layer.
In my opinion, this day is significant and it will become increasingly beneficial to the planet the more people that participate. It’s not impractical. Carpooling, using public transportation, avoiding filling up on gas, and basic energy conserving activities are recommended.
Take part in helping the environment, International Ozone Day is September 16th.