Ask A Scientist© Environmental Science Archive

Author:     bears
How has ozone depletion affected New York State?

Response #: 1 of 1
Author:     Don Libby
Text:       It is difficult to tell what has already happened, because we need 
scientific observations to find those facts. But I can tell you what we expect 
to happen based on our theory of how ozone helps protect living organisms from 
too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If the ozone gets thinner (over 
New York or anywhere else) then more ultraviolet (W) light will reach the 
earth's surface. Since W radiation is what causes sunburn, it may become 
easier to get a sunburn when you are outside. Severe sunburns between ages 5 
and 15 can lead to an increased chance of getting skin cancer later on, so it 
is a good idea to cover up your skin with a hat and sun block lotion or 
clothing if you are going to be out in the sun for a long time. That is true 
regardless of how thin the ozone layer is. The other major problem that too 
much W light might cause is damage to vegetation. Plants may not grow as well 
or may become more susceptible to diseases, which means New York farmers may 
harvest crops with smaller yields than possible with less W exposure. Try 
connecting to NASA's "spacelink" to read more about ozone. Finally, your state 
government may have a Department of the Environment to help answer your 
specific questions about New York.