Ozone Depletion ► What is it?
• Thinning of ozone layer• Shield of gases 20-50 km
above Earth’s surface that absorb UV radiation from sunlight
OD ► What causes it?
• CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) break apart ozone molecules
• CFCs were formerly used to make: – Foam– Coolants– Propellants for aerosol cans
OD ► Why is it bad?
• UV exposure causes:– Sunburns– Skin cancer– Damage to eyes– Disrupted growth patterns of producers in food
webs– Genetic mutations
Water Pollution ► What is it?
• Contamination to:– Streams– Lakes– Underground water (aquifers)– Bays– Oceans
• All organisms require water
WP ► What causes it?
• Major water pollutant categories:– Chemical– Biological– Physical materials– Thermal
WP ► Why is it bad?
• Survival impossible in presence of toxic chemicals or harmful microorganisms
• Polluted water causes people to become ill or develop defects