Living things can exist on Earth because ozone, a chemical in Earth’s atmosphere, absorbs most of this radiation before it reaches Earth’s surface.
Stratosphere
Extends from about 15 to 50 kilometers (km) above Earth’s surface. The ozone that protects Earth is located in the stratosphere. About 90% of Earth’s ozone is spread out in a layer that surrounds and protects our planet.
Chlorofluorocarbons
A chemical that consists of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon.