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Article: Hole in ozone threatens UK
- Article from:
- The Independent (London, England)
- Article date:
- March 8, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1996 The Independent - London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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NICHOLAS SCHOON
The ozone layer over Britain has suffered the worst damage ever
recorded, due to a combination of pollution and intense cold at
high altitude.
The measurements, at Lerwick in Shetland and Camborne in
Cornwall, surprised and alarmed scientists. They had forecast that
the ozone should be on the verge of starting a recovery after
decades of deterioration, thanks to international treaties curbing
emissions of the industrial gases and solvents which destroy it.
The ozone layer absorbs much of the harmful ultraviolet B
radiation in the suns rays. High levels of these UVB rays can cause
skin cancer and cataracts in humans, and can affect the
environment, including crops, wild plants ...