What are the effects of ozone depletion on humans and the environment?​

EFFECTS ON SKIN :-

Although fair-skinned, fair-haired individuals are at highest risk for skin cancer, the risk for all skin types increases with exposure to UV-B radiation. The effects of UV-B on the human immune system have been observed in people with all types of skin. There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Most cases of skin cancer in Canada are either basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas progress slowly and rarely cause death because they usually don't spread to other parts of the body. These cancers are easily removed by surgery. Melanoma is the most serious and fortunately the least common form of skin cancer. Scientists strongly suspect that malignant melanoma, which can be fatal, is caused by exposure to UV light . Scientists have confirmed that non-melanoma skin cancer is caused by UV-B radiation, and further believe that a sustained 10% depletion of the ozone layer would lead to a 26% percent increase in non-melanoma skin cancer. This could mean an additional 300,000 cases per year world wide .

EFFECTS ON EYES :-

UV-B radiation can damage several parts of the eye, including the lens, the cornea, and the membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva). "Snow blindness" is the result of overexposure to UV-B and occurs in areas of the world with high levels of UV exposure, including snowy regions at high altitudes. Snow blindness is not unlike a sunburn, and if repeated, can cause damage to eye over the long term.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens and are the leading cause of permanent blindness world wide. They are a result of overexposure to UV. A sustained 10% thinning of the ozone layer is expected to result in nearly two million new cases of cataracts per year globally.

EFFECTS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM :-

UV affects our ability to fight disease. The body's immune system is its first line of defense against invading germs. Recent research has shown that some viruses can be activated by increased exposure to UV .

d. i., ii., iii., and iv.