Effects of ozone depletion on human health

Abstract

A decrease of atmospheric ozone and a change of its vertical distribution will have many effects on man, animals, plants and materials. Decrease of ozone will have direct influences by an increase of the UV-B radiation penetrating to the earth's surface. This radiation has wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm and its effects are predominantly damaging. A change the vertical distribution of ozone in the atmosphere is likely to induce changes of climate, and these in turn will influence the conditions for life. The effects expected form the main reason for people and governments to be concerned about the ozone problem, much more so than the atmospheric processes which influence ozone. Yet, progress of research on effects is comparatively slow. Partly this is due to the complexity of the problems, such as in the case of climatic change. In the area of UV-B effects, however, the scientific tools are available, and progress depends strongly on the research effort invested (UNEP, 1986).