Because motor vehicle emissions are one of the major causes of ground-level ozone, one of the easiest forms of prevention is a reduction in automobile usage. Ozone prevention is yet another reason to rideshare, especially during the peak ozone season of May through September. GOOD UP HIGH Ozone, like oxygen or nitrogen, is a gas. Depending on its location in the atmosphere, ozone can be good or bad. But some manmade pollutants are gradually destroying this layer and disrupting nature's delicate balance.
Most scientists agree that CFCs and halons have no negative impact at ground level.
Instead, they slowly travel upwards to the protective ozone layer, where UV light breaks them down into chlorine and bromine atoms, which slowly eat away at the ozone layer. Although recent efforts have resulted in a reduction of CFCs, these substances have a long life. CFCs from years past are only now beginning to affect the ozone layer, and may remain a threat for up to one hundred years. As the ozone layer is depleted, increased levels of UV light reach the earth, impacting human health and leading to greater incidences of skin cancer, cataracts and impaired immune systems. Crops too, are sensitive to UV, and increased exposure can reduce crop yields.