The Effects of Ozone Depletion
In recent years, the ozone has been the subject of many discussions. As the fact is known that the ozone protects both animal and other life on earth. I will begin with a brief background about the ozone. Then followed by the effects of UVB radiation on humans and animals. The environment, which is also affected, will be next. Lastly, would be the effects on everyday materials we use.
The ozone layer protects the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) rays sent out by the sun. Ozone is a bluish gas formed by three oxygen atoms. However, by the help of man, the protective layer is diminishing at an alarming rate. Over the last few decades, scientists have been documenting the changes in ozone levels. They have found that in each reduction in the level of ozone had been followed by a recovery. Though recently, it has been depleted beyond changes. Man made chemicals such as CFC's, HCFC's, and others has contributed largely to those recent changes. Antarctica and Australia are both present examples of the effects of what happens when the ozone is depleted. In Antarctica, the massive hole right above it endangers the whole world with its melting ice caps. In Australia, UVB levels are announced on the local news along with the weather; cancer checks are available for free on many beaches.
On humans, UVB radiation doesn't penetrate far into the body; most of it is absorbed into superficial tissue layers. Presently, approximately 0.5% of UVB radiation reaches the Earth. And yet this small amount is responsible for most of the effects of sunlight on the body. That is to say, sun burning, tanning, the forming of vitamin D3 (in the skin), the initiation of cataracts, the aging of the skin and eyes, and causes skin cancer. It also suppresses the immune system and damages DNA. One main class of skin cancer is formed by the cancers of the pigment cells in the skin, typically on skin areas most exposed to sunlight. There has been...