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Ultraviolet B radiation was increased at ground level in Scotland during a period of ozone depletion
Author(s) -
MOSELEY H.,
MACKIE R.M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1997.17751862.x
Subject(s) - ozone layer , ozone depletion , ozone , ultraviolet , radiation , ultraviolet radiation , environmental science , ground level ozone , atmospheric sciences , wavelength , ground level , chemistry , meteorology , materials science , optics , physics , optoelectronics , architectural engineering , ground floor , radiochemistry , engineering
Summary The potentially harmful effects associated with stratospheric ozone depletion are widely acknowledged. As the ozone layer principally absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation of wavelengths below 290mm. reductions in stratospheric ozone levels are likely to result in increased UVB at the earth's surface, with the risk of increased incidence of skin cancer. Measuring the sun's spectrum at ground level requires sophisticated and reliable spectral instruments. Results are reported for this for the first time in the U.K. using spectral instruments, showing a significant increase in short wavelength UV radiation at a time of depleted stratospheric ozone. If this trend increases, future ozone depletion could contribute to known risks for cutaneous malignancies of all types.