WELLINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The ozone hole is slowly on the mend, according to New Zealand scientists studying the atmosphere over Antarctica on Monday.

The data came from a small observation lab that has been running at Scott Base, New Zealand's outpost on the frozen continent, for the past 30 years.

The remote research center is home to several atmospheric studies and research into the ozone hole over Antarctica.

Ozone absorbs ultraviolet light emitted by the sun, protecting humans, plants and animals from radiation that can cause skin cancer and sunburn.

Richard Querel, an atmospheric scientist based in Otago, used data from the center to make assessments. He said the data showed that slowly over time the ozone hole is getting smaller thanks to the international ban on the chemical CFC, which is used in refrigerants, and known to destroy ozone.