One of the defining trends of the 1980s was big hair—whether that be massive mullets or puffy perms, one thing that everyone had in common was the use of hairspray to keep their manes in place. The most typical type of hairspray used to achieve this was that of the aerosol variety, which was packaged under pressure in large sealed metal containers, with a valve and actuator (spray nozzle). Inexpensive and easy-to-use, nearly every household had a can or two on hand; a necessity as normal as hand soap.
But as the hairstyles kept getting higher, so did the warning signals coming from scientists about the potential harm these aerosol sprays were causing. Soon PSAs were airing, telling us about the fragility of the ozone layer.
On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, we examine the history of the discovery, the swift action that was taken to overcome the dangers, and where we stand today.
What is the Ozone Layer?
Put simply: It’s a layer of molecules that form a protective layer between the sun and the earth, providing a shield from harmful radioactive ultraviolet rays that can destroy plant life and increase humans’ chances of getting skin cancer, amongst other dangers.
How did we learn the Ozone Layer was in danger?
In the 1920s, coolants were developed by American refrigerator companies, using chemicals such as dichlorodifluoromethane and trichlorofluoromethane, both categorized as the more commonly known chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Their use was widely adopted because they were non-toxic and non-flammable alternatives to previously used chemicals such as ammonia. Because of their versatility, their use expanded to thousands of items (i.e. aerosol hairspray) and CFCs soon made billions for their producers.
For decades, the world was none the wiser, until two savvy scientists cracked a code that changed everything.
Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Roland conducted work in the 1970s that led them to a revolutionary discovery. The reality was that chlorine atoms in CFCs were destroying the molecules of the ozone layer more rapidly than it could be replenished. With this knowledge, they sounded the alarm that the everyday products that used these chemicals were doing unimaginable harm and should be removed from distribution.
What was the reaction from countries, regarding the CFC discovery?
At first, big business went on attack, attempting to discredit the scientists and claim they were part of a covert enemy operation, but their lies were quickly dismissed. Soon NASA backed the scientists up, providing data that proved their theory and showing the impacts that were already evident in places like Antarctica. They emphasized that not only could use of these products accelerate skin cancers, but they could also severely damage the global agricultural landscape, since photosynthesis was also a casualty of the ozone depletion.
Although there were still many politicians and corporations who opposed it, in the mid-’80s, then-U.K. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher (who was a trained scientist herself), and the then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan (who had personally suffered from skin cancer), joined leaders in Canada, Norway, Sweden and Finland to propose an international ban on CFCs, for the good of the planet.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Montreal Protocol
In what would become a historic move, in 1987, The Montreal Protocol was confirmed. It was an agreement to accelerate the phase-out of CFCs, while creating a fund to help countries in need access affordable alternatives. Later, this agreement was ratified by every country on earth, becoming the only treaty in history to achieve such unilateral support.
Once the phase-out was initiated, companies innovated, new alternate products emerged and aerosol items remained on shelves, but instead contained less harmful chemicals.
In 1995, Molina and Roland, along with their fellow researcher, Paul Crutzen, were awarded the joint Nobel Prize for Chemistry due to their research that led to this life-saving progress.
The Ozone Layer Today
With the positive action taken by the entire world, the hole in the ozone layer began to shrink—essentially reversing the 50-year damage human industry had caused. Though not completely ‘healed’, NASA projections state that by 2040, we should be back to 1980s levels of protection, with the Antarctica portion of the hole being repaired by 2066.
The Precedent to End All Precedents
When faced with dissent regarding climate change issues in the present day, we need to remember how effective The Montreal Protocol was, and continues to be. Using confirmed scientific data, a proposal was made, approved and implemented by world leaders on both the right and the left. The very definition of working together for the greater good.
This action set an undeniable precedent we should look to repeat as often as possible: Once scientific theories are proven, propose a solution that both satisfies the environmental realities of the problem and preserves the economic impact surrounding it, which is in the best interest of … everyone.
Seems like a no brainer, right?
‘Fire in the Sky, 2010’ by Julian Lennon is available for purchase at Artsy.
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Thank you for this very informative essay. I posted it on Facebook. I remember when the aerosol everything changed. I am grateful the world leaders at that time cared enough to do something so quickly and listened to the scientists. I pray that the current leaders in the U.S. would believe the science. I don’t think so, and all I do is pray for our world. It’s a sad, scary government now. God bless Julian and Tassoula
Thank you for this interesting, informative and concise article. Helpful history and hopeful outlook… 🌏
Thanks for the gorgeous photo and flashbacks. Thank you for reminding us all the good that can come when we all take accountability and stand united with caring hearts. Let’s hope this reminder helps unite us all once again🙏 and protect this planet .
Thank you 🙏