human
I've heard that the ozone hole is growing. What does that mean, and how can I help prevent it?
assistant
The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet light from the sun, protecting life on Earth from harmful radiation. However, over time, the ozone layer has been depleted due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, which releases chlorine and bromine compounds into the atmosphere. These chemicals react with other molecules in the atmosphere and break down ozone molecules, leading to a decrease in the amount of ozone present in the stratosphere. This depletion of the ozone layer has led to an increase in UV-B radiation reaching the surface of the planet, resulting in increased rates of skin cancer and other health issues.