The Science of Ozone Layer Depletion

Stratospheric ozone depletion is the result of a complex set of circumstances and chemistry. This page includes a link to the 2010 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion , the product of 312 scientists from 39 countries, which summarizes the current understanding of the stratospheric ozone layer and its relation to humankind and the earth. Also available is the recent report, Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion and its Interactions with Climate Change: 2010 Assessment (PDF, 328 pp, 10 MB) . Related to this report is the document, Questions and Answers about the Environmental Effects of the Ozone Layer Depletion and Climate Change: 2010 Update (PDF, 50 pp, 2.5 MB) . The Assessment also includes 20 Questions and Answers about the Ozone Layer (PDF) (72 pp, 8.4 MB, About PDF) , which was prepared for students and the general public. In addition, this section of EPA’s Ozone website presents more information on scientific issues related to stratospheric ozone depletion:

Basic Information—Background on the ozone layer and how it is depleted
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)—A list of Class I and Class II ODS including their ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP)
Current State of the Ozone Layer—Provides summaries of current and historic measurements of the ozone layer
Health and Environmental Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion—Describes the negative impacts of ozone layer depletion (and increased ultraviolet radiation exposure) on humans and the environment
Dispelling the Myths of Ozone Layer Depletion—Answers several common misconceptions regarding ozone depletion
Resources and Multimedia—Provides additional web-based resources with additional information on ozone layer depletion
For Kids—Test your knowledge of the science of ozone depletion and UV Radiation with our crossword puzzles