As ozone depletes in the stratosphere, it forms a 'hole' in the layer. This hole enables harmful ultraviolet rays to enter the Earth's atmosphere. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are associated with a number of health-related, and environmental issues. Let us take a look at how ozone depletion affects different life forms.
Impact on Humans
1.Skin cancer: Exposure to ultraviolet rays poses an
increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers, including malignant
melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
2. Eye damage: Direct exposure to UV radiations can result in
photokeratitis (snow blindness), and cataracts.
3. Immune system damage: Effects of UV rays include impairment of the immune
system. Increased exposure to UV rays weakens the response of the immune system.
4. Accelerated aging of skin: Constant exposure to
UV radiation can cause photo allergy, which results in the outbreak of rash in
fair-skinned people.
Other effects: Ozone chemicals can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, throat irritation, and hamper lung functioning.
Other effects: Ozone chemicals can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, throat irritation, and hamper lung functioning.
Effects on Marine Ecosystems
In particular, plankton (phytoplankton and
bacterioplankton) are threatened by increased UV radiation. Marine
phytoplankton play a fundamental role in both the food chain as well as the
oceanic carbon cycle. Plankton play an important role in converting atmospheric
carbon dioxide into oxygen. Ultraviolet rays can influence the survival rates
of these microscopic organisms, by affecting their orientation and mobility.
This eventually disturbs and affects the entire ecosystem.