Question

Which one of the following is responsible for causing skin cancer and mutation?

• A. Ozone depletion
• B. Smog formation
• C. Snowfall
• D. Smoke from aeroplane

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Ozone depletion

Ozone depletion in the stratosphere has resulted in the formation of a large area of thinned ozone layer, commonly called as the ozone hole. UV radiation of wavelengths shorter than UV-B is almost completely absorbed by earth atmosphere, given that the ozone layer is intact. But, UV-B damages DNA and mutation may occur. It causes ageing of the skin, damage to skin cells and various types of skin cancers. In the human eye, cornea absorbs UV-B radiation, and a high dose of UV-B causes inflammation of the cornea called as snow-blindness, cataract, etc. Such exposure may permanently damage the cornea.

So, the correct answer is option A.