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Depletion of Stratospheric Ozone: Impact of UV-B Radiation upon Nonhuman Organisms

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The Analysis of Actual Versus Perceived Risks

Part of the book series: Advances in Risk Analysis ((AIRA,volume 1))

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Abstract

For years, scientists and laymen alike have casually noted the impact of solar ultraviolet radiation upon the nonhuman component of the biosphere. It was not until recently, when human activities were thought to threaten the protective stratospheric ozone shield, that researchers undertook intensive studies into the biological stress caused by the previously slightly short-wavelength edge of the global solar spectrum. It is stratospheric ozone that functions effectively as an ultraviolet screen, filtering out solar radiation in the 220–320 nm waveband as it penetrates through the atmosphere, allowing only small amounts of the longer wavelengths of radiation in this waveband to leak through to the surface of the earth. Although this radiation (UV-B radiation, 290–320 nm) comprises only a minute fraction (less than 2%) of the total solar spectrum, it can have a major impact on biological systems due to its actinic nature. Many organic molecules, most notably DNA, absorb UV-B radiation which can initiate photochemical reactions. It is Life’s ability, or lack thereof, to cope with enhanced levels of solar UV-B radiation that has generated the concern over the potential depletion of stratospheric ozone. The defense mechanisms that serve to protect both plants and animals from current levels of UV-B radiation are quite varied. Whether these mechanisms will suffice under conditions of enhanced levels of UV-B radiation is the subject of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis Envirnomental Research Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    Robert C. Worrest

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  1. Robert C. Worrest
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C., USA

    Vincent T. Covello

  2. Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C., USA

    W. Gary Flamm

  3. Environ Corporation, Washington, D.C., USA

    Joseph V. Rodricks

  4. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., USA

    Robert G. Tardiff

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© 1983 Plenum Press, New York

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Worrest, R.C. (1983). Depletion of Stratospheric Ozone: Impact of UV-B Radiation upon Nonhuman Organisms. In: Covello, V.T., Flamm, W.G., Rodricks, J.V., Tardiff, R.G. (eds) The Analysis of Actual Versus Perceived Risks. Advances in Risk Analysis, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3760-7_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3760-7_22

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3762-1

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