What Are the Toxicological Implications of Ozone Layer Depletion?
Ozone layer depletion increases the amount of UV-B radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which has several toxicological implications:
Increased Skin Cancer Risk: Higher UV-B radiation levels are linked to an increase in skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and cancer. Eye Damage: Excessive UV exposure can cause cataracts and other eye damage, leading to vision impairment and blindness. Immunosuppression: UV radiation can suppress the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. Environmental Impact: Increased UV radiation can affect the growth and development of phytoplankton, the foundation of aquatic food webs, and can also damage terrestrial plants, impacting agriculture.
