The effect of depletion of the earth ozone layer on the human health condition.
Development of economic human activity has caused many harmful side effects which constitute an important danger for the biological life of our planet. This review discusses some aspects of the atmospheric changes and their influence on UV radiation reaching a man. The ozone-layer depletion is the result of emissions to the atmosphere chemical substances containing chlorine and bromine. Ozone, which absorbs the solar ultraviolet radiation, is a basic bio-protective filter. Degradation of the atmospheric ozone layer leads to increase of UV-level in our environment. The harmful effects of UV-radiation on live organisms constitute a danger for health of the whole human population. There is no doubt that cumulative exposure to UV radiation is important in the aetiology of skin cancer. A strong cataractogenic effect of UV radiation has been also evidenced. It is also known that the increase of UV radiation may be capable of activating viruses and reduce immunological response. The recent and predicted increase in these menaces are discussed.
Jankowski
J
J
Radiation Dosimetry Department, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lódź, Poland.
Cader
A B
AB
D001272:Atmosphere / Q000032:analysis; D004463:Ecology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D010126:Ozone / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D012621:Seasons; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014887:Weather
D010126:Ozone