The ozone layer, located 9 to 18 miles above the Earth's surface, absorbs UV radiation from the sun and protects the planet. It is being depleted as chlorine and bromine atoms from industrial pollutants destroy ozone molecules faster than they can be replenished, with one chlorine atom able to destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. Depletion of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to crops and marine life.