Ozone Depletion Flashcards
What is ozone depletion caused by?
cholofluorocarbons (CFCs)
What are CFCs used in?
refrigeration, insulation and spray can propellants
When does ozone destruction take place?
late winter to early spring
When was the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica discovered?
1987
How many years is it expected to take the ozone layer to recover?
50 yrs
How does skin cancer work?
the ultraviolet light in the sun damages the DNA in the skin cells
How much have malignant melanoma rates increased since the mid 1970s?
5x
What are 5 risk factors for skin cancer?
- exposure to UV radiation
- outdoor workers
- being fair skinned
- age and family history (older people at more risk)
- radiotherapy (weakened immune system)
How many Aussies will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70?
2 out of 3
Why does Australia have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world? (5)
- predominantly light skinned population
- hole in ozone layer
- tropical latitude
- high levels of UV radiation
- cultural emphasis on outdoor activities
How many Aussies die of skin cancer every year?
2000
How much does skin cancer cost the Australian health care system?
AU $512 million (2010)
How are cataracts caused? (3)
- naturally by ageing
- diabetes
- exposure to high UV levels
____ are the leading cause of blindness in the world
cataracts
Risk factors of cataracts (4)
- geographical location (UV levels higher in tropical areas/near equator)
- altitude (UV levels higher at greater altitudes)
- time of day (UV levels greater between 10am and 2pm)
- setting (UV levels higher in wide, open, flat spaces)
