Ultra Violet Rays
and the
Ozone
Air Quality
Define Ultra Violet
► Light
beyond the visible range of human
vision, at the short end of the spectrum. It
occurs naturally in sunlight; it burns and
tans the skin and converts precursors in the
skin to vitamin D. Prolonged or excessive
exposure to ultraviolet light can damage the
skin and increase the susceptibility of the
skin to cancer.
Not for Humans Only
► We
are particularly concerned by the
potential impact of increased UV
radiation on plants and animals, simply
because they form the basis of our
food supply. Significant changes in the
health or growth of plants and animals
may reduce the amount of available
food.
Aquatic wildlife is particularly
vulnerable
► Phytoplankton
are at the start of the aquatic
food chain, which account for 30 per cent of
the world’s intake of animal protein.
Phytoplankton productivity is restricted to
the upper layer of the water where
sufficient light is available. A small increase
in UV-B exposure could significantly reduce
the size of plankton populations, which
affects the environment in two ways.
First
► With
less organic matter in the upper layers
of the water, UV radiation can penetrate
deeper into the water and affect more
complex plants and animals living there.
Solar UV radiation directly damages fish,
shrimp, crab, amphibians and other animals
during their early development. Furthermore
less plankton means less food for the
animals that prey on them and a reduction
in fish stocks, already depleted by
overfishing
Second
► Furthermore,
less plankton means less food
for the animals that prey on them and a
reduction in fish stocks, already depleted by
overfishing
U.V. From the Sun
Molecular Comparison
Single Oxygen Atom
Oxygen we breathe
Ozone molecule
Chemical Formula
Earth’s “Good Ozone"
Is in the
Stratosphere
Earth’s “Bad Ozone"
is in the
Troposhpere near the Earth’s surface
What does the Ozone do?
► It
filters out and reduces most of the
ultraviolet from the sun's radiation.
►
Ozone absorbs 99% of the harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
► Lower,
in the troposphere, ozone is a
component of smog, and is responsible for
breathing difficulties and other ailments.
What Causes Ozone Depletion
►CFC
---- chlorofluorocarbon.
 Freon
 Refrigerants
 Aerosol-spray propellants
 Solvents
 Foam-blowing agents
 Styrofoams
CFC Deplete the Ozone
Causes Holes in the Ozone Layer
Conditions that would result in a
high amount of UV
► Noontime
► Anytime
► Low
in summer.
the Sun is high in the sky.
cloud cover.
► Reflective
► Being
ground cover like sand or snow.
at high altitude or closer to the Sun.
Effects of UV on Humans.
► cause
tans and sunburns after a short
while
► it can cause wrinkles
► faster photo aging
► different types of skin cancer.
► malnutrition / starvation since our food
crops are similarly attacked
► Effects and Damages DNA in all living
things
Ways to protect yourself from
UV radiation
► Sunscreen
► Sunglasses
with UV protection
► Hats
► Clothing
► Use
Umbrellas in the Sun
► Reduce CFCs to protect the Ozone
► Stay inside
► Stay out of the sun between 11 AM & 3 PM
► When outside stay in the Shade
. What type of UV radiation does
most sunscreen protect against?
.
► UV-B.
Some
sunscreens also
protect against UVA, but, in general,
all sunscreens
protect against UVB which is the most
dangerous.
Clouds completely block out UV
radiation. T or F
► False,
clouds can block some but not
all of UV radiation. Puffy clouds close
to the sun can even lead to increased
UV.
The ozone layer can also be
considered as the…
►.
… Earth’s Sunglasses
Antarctic View of Ozone 1970 - 2049
Antarctic Ozone Hole 1981 - 1990
Antarctic Ozone Hole 1996 - 2015
What is an Ozone Alert?
► When
air quality is unhealthy due to a
high level of particle pollution and/or
ozone.
► Ozone is a toxic air pollutant that is a
concern for people's health when
levels in the outdoors are high.
►
Hazey Days? Smog = Smoke and Fog
A Global Concern
What are the levels of an Ozone
Alert?
Recommended precauctions to
take during the various levels of
an Ozone Alert?
Green Alert
Safe levels for most groups
Yellow Alert
Moderate levels, be wary
Orange Alert
►An
orange ozone alert mean it
is unhealthy outside for
sensitive groups -- including
active children and adults with
respiratory problems like
asthma.
Red Alert
►A
Red ozone alerts mean
everyone should limit
outdoor activity, especially
children, the elderly and the
infirmed.
Purple Alert
►Purple
ozone alerts are
considered very unhealthy.
Everyone should limit
outdoor activities and
people with respiratory
problems should stay inside.
Maroon Alert
► Hazardous
to all living things, plant, animal
and bacteria
Aerosols/Particulates
Fire and Volcanos
How to be informed
of
Ozone Alerts
► News
and Weather Broadcasts
► Signs posted in Recreational Areas such as
parks and athletic fields
► Internet
Actions to reduce ground level
Ozone
►
Controlling of auto emissions





Eliminate excessive engine idling
Ensure automotive exhaust system functions properly
Avoid unnecessary driving whenever possible
Don't refuel until after 6:00 pm
Take public transportation (Some cities provide free bus
service on Ozone Action Days).
►
Limit the use of lawn mowers and outdoor grills to
after 6:00 pm
►
Limit the use of aerosol cans around the home (for
example, hair gel instead of hair spray)
Research
► Top
three best countries for air quality.
► Worst three countries for air quality.
► Where does the United states stand in air quality
with other countries.
► Top three best states for air quality.
► Worst three states for air quality.
► Where does North Carolina stand with the other
states.
► Where dose Statesville stand with the other cities
in North Carolina
► Brief: What makes air quality good and bad and
who and what is WHO.