What is the ozone layer?

September 16 is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Your curious little one might wonder what exactly is the ozone layer?

The Ozone Layer is a layer of gases called the atmosphere that surrounds our Earth and separates us from space. One of the main gases in the atmosphere is oxygen. There is also something called ozone. Ozone molecules are created when sunlight mixes with oxygen. The “ozone layer” refers to a level in our atmosphere that has lots of ozone. This ozone layer is extremely important not just for humans but all life on Earth because it absorbs or “catches” the harmful rays from the sun that can cause skin cancer. Unfortunately, ozone molecules are very sensitive and can be destroyed faster than they can be created. Ozone molecules can be destroyed by man-made chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which used to be found in spray cans. Scientists have been working hard to help repair the ozone layer by banning these chemicals as well as enacting other critical initiatives.