IJEP 45(8): 752-759 : Vol. 45 Issue. 8 (August 2025)
1. Daffodil International University, Department of Law, Dhaka – 1216, Bangladesh
2. Texas Tech University, Department of Communication Studies, Texas – 49409, USA
3. University of Portsmouth, International Criminal Justice and Intelligence, United Kingdom
4. University of South Wales, School of Law, United Kingdom
5. International Organization for Migration (IOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abstract
The ozone layer, an area with a high concentration of ozone found in the stratosphere between about 15-35 km above the Earth’s surface, serves as an invisible escutcheon that safeguards life on Earth by absorbing deleterious ultraviolet rays from the sun. Several studies conducted in the mid-1980s revealed the depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica and the scientists then coined it as the ozone hole. Further studies divulged that the depletion of the ozone layer was due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), man-made chemicals which are primarily used in manufacturing refrigerants, aerosol sprays, agents for foams and packing materials and solvents. Chemicals that are responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are conjointly recognized as ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). In addition to CFCs, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and methyl chloroform and hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) are also widely known as ODSs. Among them, HCFCs are used as a replacement for CFCs in numerous modern-day applications, such as air conditioning, refrigeration and foam manufacturing, while halons are primarily utilized as fire extinguishing agents, CTC as solvents and feedstocks in various industrial applications and HBFCs as fire restraints and feedstocks for producing other materials. However, the studies have identified CFCs, among all the ODSs, as the key factor for the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone holes are allowing detrimental ultraviolet (UV) rays to reach the Earth’s surface, posing a serious threat to all forms of life on Earth, especially to human beings. Exposure to the UV rays is reported to cause skin cancer, temporary or permanent blindness and a weakened immune system. However, no study has been conducted so far on the possibility of ozone recovery. This study attempts to depict the current situation of the ozone layer with the urge for immediate remedial measures to protect the invisible shield so that lives can be protected on Earth.
Keywords
Chlorofluorocarbons, Convention, Earth, Human health, Ozone layer, Protocol
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