Read about ozone protection, the chemicals that can damage and deplete the ozone layer and what Australia, and the world, is doing to combat this major environmental issue.
Our factsheets will give you key information and our science pages provide detailed information. There is also a quiz to test your knowledge.
The ozone layer

The ozone layer is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere, it covers the entire planet and protects life on earth by absorbing harmful UV-B radiation.
Ozone depleting substances
![Klaxon air horn F12 freon (image taken as part of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas [OPSGG] program)](/sites/default/files/env/pages/04f20aae-1ad3-4c19-ae6f-d621d60771f2/images/air-horn.jpg)
Ozone depleting substances are chemicals that destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer.
Synthetic greenhouse gases

Synthetic greenhouse gases are artificial chemicals that were introduced as replacements for ozone depleting substances.
Montreal Protocol

Montreal Protocol is an international agreement designed to stop the production and import of ozone depleting substances.
Quiz

How much do you know about the ozone layer, ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases? Take our quiz to find out.
All the information you need to get 10 out of 10 is on the four factsheets listed above. Good luck!
Further information
- Polar ozone holes
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO )
- Bureau of Meteorology
- Australian Antarctic Division
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ozone Secretariat
- Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)