Question

(ii) Write one damaging effect of ozone depletion on humans and plants, respectively

Answer 1

Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth's surface. Major effects of ozone depletion in humans include:
• UV-B damages DNA and causes mutation.
• Aging of skin, damage to skin cells, and various types of skin cancers.
• Cornea absorbs UV-B radiation, and a high dose of UV-B causes inflammation of cornea, called snow-blindness, cataract, and more.
Major effects of ozone depletion in plants include:
• It can reduce photosynthesis, damage leaves and slow down the overall growth.