Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Technicians - UNEP - Division of ...

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Environmental Impact
Effects of ozone layer depletion on the
environment
With the loss of the shield from ultraviolet radiation, serious damage can
result on all living organisms. The severity of the situation is augmented
by the fact that each one percent depletion of ozone results in up to two
percent increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Plant and marine life could be adversely affected by increased
exposure to ultraviolet radiation caused by depletion of the ozone
layer. The sensitive ecosystem of the oceans may be adversely
affected. The phytoplankton and larvae of many species that live
from the surface of the ocean down to several metres below the
surface could well be sensitive to increased exposure to ultraviolet
radiation. Increased exposure results in reduced productivity, which
means less plant life and fewer fish harvested from the seas.
The Global Solar UV Index, developed by the World Health
Organization in collaboration with UNEP and the World
Meteorological Organisation, is a tool to describe the level of UV
radiation at the Earth’s surface. It uses a range of values from zero
upwards, taking into account all the factors to indicate the potential
for adverse health effects due to UV radiation. The higher the value,
the greater the amount of dangerous UV rays.
UV factors High UV radiation
Time of the day Between 10 am to 4 pm
Time of the year Summer or hot season
Location Especially close to the equator and poles
Elevation Altitude above sea level
Reflection Sand, snow, water and ice
Weather No dark clouds in front of the sun
Activity
Fortunately there are many easy ways to protect ourselves from these
dangerous rays. Use that information to write out a four point action plan.
• During the hot season avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm
when the UV Index is the highest.
• Search for a shade when you’re outside. Under a tree there might
be up to 60% less radiation than in a sunny place.
• Cover your skin and eyes. Wear long sleeves, trousers, a hat or
something to cover your head and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Use sunscreen. If you want to go swimming, avoid the midday
hours and use sunscreen for the whole body as the water
reflects the rays efficiently and increases the radiation. Also
while wearing a long-sleeved shirt use some sunscreen on your
hands or other parts that are not covered. Sunscreen should
also be used often; if you put it once and stay in the sun for
hours that is not enough to well protect your skin. Also every
time you go swimming you should add sunscreen afterwards.
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