Ozone in the stratospheric layer of the Earth's atmosphere keeps 95-99% of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation from striking the Earth. Various chemicals deplete the ozone layer by accelerating processes that destroy ozone, increasing the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reach the surface. This radiation can cause genetic damage, eye damage and damage to marine life. more
A family of man-made compounds that includes, but are not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), bromofluorocarbons (halons), methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These compounds have been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone, and therefore are typically referred to as ODSs.