environmental change and effects on health: ozone depletion

Question 1

What is the major cause of ozone depletion?

Answer 1

The major cause of ozone depletion is the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which break down ozone when they enter the atmosphere and react.

Question 2

When was ozone depletion first observed?

Answer 2

1970s

Question 3

How has the ‘hole in the ozone layer’ changed over time?

Answer 3

The ‘hole in the ozone layer’ has started to stabilise and shrink, but the effects of the depletion have increased.

Question 4

How does ozone depletion affect human health?

Answer 4

Ozone depletion allows more UV radiation to enter the atmosphere, increasing the risk of diseases caused by UV exposure, such as skin cancer and cataracts.

Question 5

What is the relationship between ozone depletion and skin cancer?

Answer 5

90% of non-melanoma skin cancer cases are associated with UV exposure, and skin cancer cases have increased in the 21st century, likely due to ozone depletion.

Question 6

How much did the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers increase between 1992 and 2006?

Answer 6

Treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers increased by nearly 77% between 1992 and 2006.

Question 7

What is the trend in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in the US over the past three decades?

Answer 7

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma has increased by 200% over the past three decades in the US.

Question 8

How is UV radiation linked to cataracts?

Answer 8

UV radiation is thought to cause cataracts, and cases of cataracts are expected to continue rising.