Explain the effects of Ozone depletion on Human health and plants.
Ozone depletion in the stratosphere will result in more UV radiation reaching the earth especially UV-B (290-320 nm).
- The UV-B radiations affect DNA and the photosynthetic chemicals. Any change in DNA can result in mutation and cancer. Cases of skin cancer (basal and squamous cell carcinoma) which do not cause death but cause disfigurement.
- Easy absorption of UV rays by the lens and cornea of eye will result in increase in incidents of cataract.
- Melanin producing cells of the epidermis (important for human immune system) will be destroyed by UV-rays resulting in immune-suppression. Fair people (can't produce enough melanin) will be at a greater risk of UV exposure.
- Phytoplankton are sensitive to UV exposure. Ozone depletion will result in decrease in their population thereby affecting the population of zooplankton, fish, marine animals, in fact the whole aquatic food chain.
- Yield of vital crops like corn, rice, soyabean, cotton, bean, pea, sorghum and wheat will decrease.
- Degradation of paints, plastics and other polymer material will result in economic loss due to effects of UV radiation resulting from ozone depletion.
