Hole In Ozone Layer Reaches Size Of Europe

The hole in the earth’s ozone layer is growing faster than ever and is already twice the size it was this time last year, the U.N. weather agency said Tuesday.

Ozone, a gas in the stratosphere, prevents harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth. Its depletion, caused in large part by industrial chemicals, is believed to increase the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts.

The hole is getting bigger despite a reduction in ozone-destroying chemicals such as chlorine and bromine because these chemicals have a life of 60 to 100 years.

So far the hole has expanded to 3.9 million square miles - roughly the size of Europe - according to the World Meteorological Organization.

The accelerated spread of the hole has surprised but not alarmed experts, who predict the ozone layer will get even worse before it recovers.

The layer is expected to start to recover around 2040.