Avi Blizovsky
Senior US scientists say that the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica has stopped expanding.
The ozone layer blocks the sun's ultraviolet rays, exposure to which is harmful to humans, animals and plants.
An international agreement was reached to end the use of ozone-depleting chemicals known as CFCs after the discovery of the hole in 1986. The hope is that the cessation of use will result in the recovery of the ozone layer and the closing of the hole within 60 years.
"I am optimistic and believe that the ozone layer will recover someday, but not in my lifetime, possibly in your lifetime," said Dr. David Hoffman, who worked at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) as director of the Global Monitoring Department.
In about two months we will know the relevant data for 2006, in order to prove whether the size of the hole in the ozone has indeed stabilized this year as well.
