OZONE OR NO ZONE??
Ozone is a colourless, odourless gas which accurs naturaly in our atmosphere. Ozone forms a layer 10-15 kilometres above the Earth's surface. It lies in a part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere. For millions of years, this ozone layer has protected us from the harmful ultraviolet(UV) radiation of the sun's rays. However, scientists have shown that this ozone layer is being destroyed and that a 'hole in the layer is being created
Because of this 'hole', people are more exposed to UV radiation. The result is frightening. When too much UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface, many things can occur.
-Skin problems- our skins age and wrinkle faster. Cases of sunburn go up. Incidents of skin cancer will increase.
-Blindness -greater exposure to UV radiation damages the retina, leading to temporary eye disorders and cataracts.
- Immune System - increased exposure to UV radiation can lead to the body's immune system being affected.
-Agricultural and plant life - their growth and nutritional value can be affected, leading to reduced yields.
-Aquatic life- marine life depends on tiny plants and animals called plankton for food. These live near the ocean surface. Increased exposure to UV radiation could reduce plankton growth and therefore threaten all marine life.
Adapted from an article courtesy of WWF Malaysia