UNEP ozone layer review : effects of ozone depletion

Abstract

With depletion of the ozone layer, the intensity of the UV-B radiation reaching the ground increases and the wavelength composition is shifted to shorter wavelengths. Most effects of ultraviolet radiation depend strongly on the wavelength, with the largest impacts associated with the shorter wavelengths. UV-B radiation is known to have a multitude of effects on humans, animals, plants and materials. Most of these effects are damaging. The knowledge required for quantitative predictions of the effects, however, is available only for a few of these damages. For others, the qualitative understanding of the effect gives reason for concern, but the degree of the impact cannot be quantified at present.