There is often a reference in the media to the depletion of the ozone layer surrounding the earth and the serious effects this can have on our health. It is reported that a reduction in the ozone layer will lead to higher levels of Ultraviolet radiation (UV) reaching the earth and into our daily lives. How concerned should you be?
What is the Ozone Layer?
According to NASA "ozone is an irritating, corrosive colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring".[1] Up to 99% of the sun's high frequency UV light, which is potentially damaging to life on earth, is absorbed by the ozone layer. The ozone layer was first measured in 1956 at Halley Bay, Antarctica.
Measurements by satellite began about 1975 by the Nimbus-7 satellite and this activity today is managed by several different satellites which measure concentrations of ozone and other atmospheric gases. Weather balloons and some airplanes are also used to measure ozone. It is reported that "every 1% decrease in the ozone shield is projected to increase the amount of UV light exposure to the lower atmosphere by 2%".[1]
What is Damaging the Ozone Layer?
Chlorofluourcarbons (CFCs) were first created in 1928 as non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerants. It was estimated in 1988 that over a billion kilograms of CFCs were being consumed worldwide because they were so desirable to industry. These CFCs were found in solvents, air conditioning, refrigeration, aerosols and foams, some of which can remain in the atmosphere for up to 200 years.
It has been reported that intense UV solar radiation severs chlorines from CRCs which are then able to convert ozone molecules into oxygen molecules. While the growth rate of CFCs in the atmosphere is dropping due to Government regulation and industry awareness, it is reported that the stratospheric ozone will continue to deplete well in the 22nd century.
How Is Life On Earth Affected?
With an increase in UV radiation entering the atmosphere around the earth, many effects to life on earth have already been reported. For example, plant life has a limited ability to adapt to increased UV levels and physiological and developmental processes may be affected. Ocean, sea and lake organisms, such as phytoplankton, may not be able to survive additional UV exposure. This will diminish an important food source for many fish and amphibians. The reproductivity capacity and larval development of sea creatures may also be impaired.
Human beings may be faced with serious health issues including melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers and other skin conditions, cataracts and other eye damage and immune suppression, just to name a few.
Melanoma - Research has reported over exposure to UV radiation diminishes the natural defences of the skin. All skin types are vulnerable. The - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide - campaign has been around for many years and warns of the relationship between childhood sunburns and melanoma later in life. The Australian Government website on skin cancers ( http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-2 ) advises that:
- Australia has the highest skin cancer incidence rate in the world.
- Australians are four times more likely to develop a skin cancer than any other form of cancer.
- Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
Non-melanoma skin cancers - are the most common type of skin cancer tumours. The following statistics are taken from the same site:
- NMSC are the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia, with approximately 430,000 new cases estimated to have been diagnosed in 2008.
- Of these 430,000 NMSC cases, an estimated 296,000 were Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases, and an estimated 138,000 were Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, however the estimates may be greater as BCC and SCC cases are not legally required to be reported.
- In 2006, there were 410 reported deaths from NMSC.
Cataracts and eye damage - Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye clouds vision. It is thought that increased exposure to UV rays are a major cause of cataracts. Whilst cataracts can be easily treated by modern surgery, millions of people around the globe are affected and the cost for medical care each year is in the billions. Macular degeneration and cancer of the skin around the eyes are also attributed to UV exposure.
Immune Suppression - Over exposure to UV radiation may suppress the proper functioning of the immune system. This may also include an impaired response to immunisations, an increased sensitivity to sunlight and reactions to certain medications.
How Concerned Should You Be?
We should all be very concerned and aware of the dangers of UV exposure, but not panicked. Governments are going some way to regulate the emission of CFCs into our atmosphere, business is becoming more aware and compliant and of course, all attention is now on global warming. We have some control over how ozone depletion affects our health in terms of heeding the - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide - message, Slip on a long sleeved shirt, Slop on sunscreen 30+, Slap on a hat, Seek shade as much as possible especially around midday and Slide on some sunglasses.
Ensure you have any suspicious spots checked immediately by a health professional. We can also become more aware of the products we purchase from the supermarket, reduce our home emissions and ensure our cars are in good running order. Turn off unused power points as well.
Furthermore, we can protect our immune systems from UV radiation damage by using activated liquid zeolite, a natural mineral that captures dangerous toxins and heavy metals in its cage-like structure and removes them from the body within 4-6 hours through the elimination process.
References
1. http://www.nas.nasa.gov/About/Education/Ozone/ozonelayer.html
For the past 20 years, Jannette has pursued her interest in health, wellbeing and the environment. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion and works with clients to improve their health and aspects of personal development. She believes that healthy eating, regular meditation, moderation in everything and taking the correct supplements can make an enormous improvement to the quality of our lives. She runs a successful internet marketing business from Perth, Western Australia. You can claim your copy of Jannette's free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://www.CleansingZeolite.com
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