Abstract
The problem of ozone depletion has recently become a topic of major concern. What was once a vague, theoretical hypothesis that artificial chlorofluorocarbon compounds could accumulate in the stratosphere and break down ozone molecules is an imminent reality. A decrease in the concentration of stratospheric ozone would increase the amount of ultraviolet radiation in ambient sunlight. In addition to altering plant and aquatic life in unpredictable ways, increiased ultraviolet radiation will adversely affect human health. The incidence of various types of skin cancers will increase, as will the rate of deaths from skin cancer. In addition, there will be an increase in the occurrence of certain types of ocular cataracts. The most recently described effect of ultraviolet radiation on a biologic system is its ability to alter the immune system in experimental animals and humans. Although much is known about the immunologic effects of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in animal models, little information is available on its potential to decrease host resistance to infectious diseases. This is an important topic that needs to be addressed in order for us to understand fully the consequences of ozone depletion for human health.