Causes And Effects Of Stratospheric Ozone Reduction

A balanced assessment based on currently available scientific knowledge of the effects that climate change may have on the environment in Europe and the health of its populations. Written in non-technical language the book responds to growing public and political concern about the consequences of such widely publicized phenomena as global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion. The book also responds to evidence that recent warming trends in Europe have already affected health. The book opens with a brief explanation of the causes of climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion followed by an overview of recent European and global initiatives aimed at monitoring trends and assessing their impact on health. The first main chapter on climate change in Europe summarizes currently documented trends and provides a scenario of possible changes throughout the rest of this century. The second and most extensive chapter reviews scientific evidence on specific health consequences. These include effects related to increased episodes of thermal stress and air pollution; changes in foodborne water-related vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases; mortality from floods and other weather extremes; and changes in the production of aeroallergens associated with respiratory disorders including asthma. Chapter three considers health effects linked to stratospheric ozone depletion giving particular attention to adverse effects on the eye and immune system and skin cancer. The remaining chapters discuss health effects expected in the next decade and outline actions urgently needed in the areas of policy monitoring and surveillance and research.

This report examines key issues surrounding ozone depletion, beginning with the status of the stratospheric ozone layer and the causes of depletion of this layer. Impacts of ozone depletion and the consequent increase in ultraviolet-B radiation are reviewed along with global and Canadian initiatives to protect the ozone layer. This is followed by review of ozone layer protection initiatives in British Columbia. Finally initiatives that should be carried out in the near future by the provincial and federal governments are identified. Appendices include information on the ozone depleting potential of various chemicals, ozone-depleting substance phase-out dates, and key requirements of the provincial Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulation.