Explain How a Depletion in Ozone Might Lead to a Rise

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The Answer is The ozone layer, located in the Earth's stratosphere, serves as a protective shield that absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Specifically, it filters out UVB rays, which are more energetic and damaging than UVA rays. A depletion in the ozone layer would result in more of these UVB rays reaching the Earth's surface.

UVB radiation is a significant risk factor for skin cancer because it has enough energy to damage the DNA in skin cells. When the DNA of skin cells is damaged, it can lead to mutations that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, which is the hallmark of cancer. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most dangerous.

The incidence of skin cancer rises with increased exposure to UVB rays for several reasons:

1. **Direct DNA Damage:** UVB rays can directly cause thymine bases in DNA to bond together, creating a dimer. These dimers can lead to errors in the DNA replication process, potentially causing mutations that can lead to cancer.

2. **Immune Suppression:** UVB exposure can suppress the local immune response in the skin. This suppression can prevent the body from recognizing and repairing damaged cells, which can then proliferate into cancerous cells.

3. **Oxidative Stress:** UV radiation can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin, which can damage cells and their DNA, leading to mutations.

4. **Inflammatory Response:** Chronic sun exposure can lead to inflammation, which is associated with various stages of carcinogenesis.

As the ozone layer depletes, the protective filter becomes less effective, and more people are exposed to higher levels of UVB radiation. This increased exposure raises the risk of skin damage and, consequently, the incidence of skin cancer. This is why there is a strong emphasis on protecting the ozone layer through international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, as well as on personal protective measures such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure during peak UV radiation times.

Explain How a Depletion in Ozone Might Lead to a Rise

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Explain How a Depletion in Ozone Might Lead to a Rise

Short Answer

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Correct Answer:
Answered by ExamLex AI