Ozone hole repair ‘could take decades’

There are indications that the hole in the ozone layer is being repaired, but the process of recovery will take decades, according to a report published yesterday by the Institute of Physics.

The report, which aims to renew action on ozone, looks at the progress made in preventing the loss of “good ozone” that protects us from harmful ultra-violet radiation. It also highlights the fact that levels of “bad ozone” near the ground are rising - which it says will cause significant impact on humans - such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease – as early as 2030.

Published by the Institute of Physics, The Rise of Ozone Research by Dr Peter Hodgson says that despite legislation, it will be decades before the ozone layer is restored to levels that existed before the 1970s. The ozone holes over the polar regions are currently as deep and persistent as ever observed, leading to elevated levels of damaging ultra-violet radiation at the Earth’s surface and a rise in the incidence of skin and eye disease.