The ozone layer faces a new threat as certain chemicals that are not controlled by a United Nations treaty designed to prevent ozone depletion are increasing rapidly, a new study has warned.
Scientists report the atmospheric abundance of one of these 'very short-lived substances' (VSLS) is growing rapidly.
"VSLS can have both natural and industrial sources. Industrial production of VSLS is not controlled by the United Nations Montreal Protocol because historically these chemicals have contributed little to ozone depletion," said study lead author Dr Ryan Hossaini, from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds.
"But we have identified now that one of these chemicals is increasing rapidly and, if this increase is allowed to continue, it could offset some of the benefits to the Ozone Layer provided by the Montreal Protocol," said Hossaini.
Researchers used a 3D computer model of the atmosphere to determine the impact of VSLS on ozone and climate.
Measurements of VSLS in the atmosphere over the past two decades, provided by collaborators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US, were also analysed.
These measurements showed a rapid increase in atmospheric concentrations of dichloromethane, a man-made VSLS used in a range of industrial processes.
"We need to continue monitoring the atmospheric abundance of these gases and determine their sources," said study co-author Professor Martyn Chipperfield, from Leeds' School of Earth and Environment.
"At present, the long-term recovery of the Ozone Layer from the effects of CFCs is still on track, but the presence of increasing dichloromethane will lead to uncertainty in our future predictions of ozone and climate," said Chipperfield.
The researchers found that while the amount of ozone depletion arising from VSLS in the atmosphere today is small compared to that caused by longer-lived gases, such as CFCs, VSLS-driven ozone depletion was found to be almost four times more efficient at influencing climate.
"Due to their short atmospheric lifetimes, VSLS break down and destroy ozone in the lowermost part of the stratosphere. This is important, as a molecule of ozone lost in this region has a far larger impact on climate than a molecule destroyed at higher altitudes by longer-lived gases," said Hossaini.
The researchers also separated out natural sources of VSLS - such as seaweed in the ocean - and those released due to human activity - such as industrial processes - in order to determine the relative importance of each.
At present, naturally-emitted VSLS account for around 90 per cent of the total ozone loss caused by VSLS in the lower stratosphere. However, the contribution from man-made VSLS compounds is increasing and appears set to increase further in coming years.
The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
