Which statement about ozone depletion is most accurate?

Which statement about ozone depletion is most accurate?

• A. It increases UV exposure, raising risks like skin cancer.
• B. It reduces UV exposure.
• C. It has no health effects.
• D. It only affects weather patterns.

Answer: (D)

Ozone in the stratosphere acts as a shield, absorbing most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. When ozone is depleted, less of that UV is blocked, so more UV-B reaches the surface. That higher UV exposure is associated with increased risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system effects, and it can also impact ecosystems. The idea that depletion reduces UV exposure is the opposite of what happens, and saying there are no health effects ignores well-established risks. While ozone changes can influence climate, it is not accurate to say it only affects weather patterns. The statement that ozone depletion increases UV exposure and related health risks is the most accurate.

Ozone in the stratosphere acts as a shield, absorbing most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. When ozone is depleted, less of that UV is blocked, so more UV-B reaches the surface. That higher UV exposure is associated with increased risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system effects, and it can also impact ecosystems. The idea that depletion reduces UV exposure is the opposite of what happens, and saying there are no health effects ignores well-established risks. While ozone changes can influence climate, it is not accurate to say it only affects weather patterns. The statement that ozone depletion increases UV exposure and related health risks is the most accurate.