Ozone is a naturally occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. Ozone molecules form a gaseous layer in the stratosphere, 15-30 km above the surface of the earth called the Ozone layer. It protects life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Today the ozone layer is depleting due to the release of pollution containing chemicals chlorine and bromine. Such deterioration allows large amounts of UV B rays to reach Earth1 seen in figure 1, which can cause many harmful internal and external effects on humans. Although it has been proven that the depletion of the ozone layer has caused health issues, there are many other factors for these health issues. The UV radiation also allows humans to receive a healthy dose of vitamin D. Therefore the question is, Is ozone depletion directly leading to a decrease in the overall health of humans in Australia?
Chemical Background:
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that is constantly being formed and then broken down by chlorine that can …show more content…
One effect is immunosuppression (weakening of the immune system). Early findings suggest that too much UV radiation can suppress the human immune system, which may play a role in the development of skin cancer 6. This is because the immune system is the body’s defence mechanism against infections and cancers, and is normally very effective at recognizing and responding to an invading micro-organism or the beginning of a tumour. Although the data remain preliminary, there is increasing evidence for a systematic immunosuppressive effect of both acute and low-dose UV radiation exposure. Exposure to increased levels of UV-B radiation can also cause changes in the molecular structure of the DNA in living cells.5 Therefore ozone depletion is directly leading to a decrease in the overall health of humans in Australia due to external and internal health issues explained in this
Chemical Background:
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that is constantly being formed and then broken down by chlorine that can …show more content…
One effect is immunosuppression (weakening of the immune system). Early findings suggest that too much UV radiation can suppress the human immune system, which may play a role in the development of skin cancer 6. This is because the immune system is the body’s defence mechanism against infections and cancers, and is normally very effective at recognizing and responding to an invading micro-organism or the beginning of a tumour. Although the data remain preliminary, there is increasing evidence for a systematic immunosuppressive effect of both acute and low-dose UV radiation exposure. Exposure to increased levels of UV-B radiation can also cause changes in the molecular structure of the DNA in living cells.5 Therefore ozone depletion is directly leading to a decrease in the overall health of humans in Australia due to external and internal health issues explained in this