1 3 . Stratospheric ozone depletion
نویسندگان
چکیده
The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs a large part of the harmful UV-radiation coming from the sun. In the natural situation ozone is continuously being formed and destroyed. However, a number of man-made chemicals that contain fluorine, bromine and chlorine groups, called Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), can greatly increase the rate of destruction, leading to a reduction in the thickness of the ozone layer. With the thickness of the layer reduced, more of the UV-B radiation will reach the earth’s surface. Increased exposure to UV-B radiation can lead to adverse human health effects (Figure 3.1), such as skin cancer and cataract, and effects on ecosystems. The latter are, however, not considered here, meaning that the only area of protection that is covered is human health.
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