Environmental health impact: Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer primarily increases the risk of which human disease due to higher UV-B exposure?

Introduction / Context:
The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs biologically harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Thinning of this layer allows more UV-B to reach Earth’s surface, affecting human health, ecosystems, and materials.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ozone depletion leads to increased ground-level UV-B.
• Human exposure increases without adequate protection.
• Question asks for the most directly linked disease.

Concept / Approach:

Increased UV-B is directly associated with higher incidence of skin cancers (particularly non-melanoma types), photoaging, and cataracts. While respiratory issues can be aggravated by air pollutants, they are not the primary direct outcome of ozone layer depletion.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Public health advisories emphasize sunscreen and UV protection due to the established link between UV exposure and skin cancer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Bronchitis and lung/heart disorders are more closely associated with air quality (PM, ozone at ground-level) rather than stratospheric ozone depletion.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing stratospheric ozone depletion with tropospheric ozone pollution; mixing long-term climate effects with acute UV exposure risks.

Final Answer:

skin cancer