Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is strongly associated with an increased risk of which type of cancer in humans?

Introduction / Context:

This question relates to environmental health, specifically the consequences of ozone layer depletion. The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. When this layer thins, more ultraviolet B radiation reaches the Earth surface, creating health risks for humans and other organisms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ozone layer is located mainly in the lower stratosphere.
• Ultraviolet B radiation is known to damage DNA in skin cells.
• Depletion of ozone increases the intensity of ultraviolet B at ground level.
• The options list various types of cancers affecting different organs.

Concept / Approach:

Exposure to higher levels of ultraviolet B radiation is directly linked to increased incidence of skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The skin is the organ directly exposed to sunlight, so it is most affected by changes in ultraviolet radiation. While ultraviolet exposure can also weaken the immune system and contribute to eye damage, the strongest cancer association is with skin cancer. The approach is to associate ozone depletion with ultraviolet radiation and then match this to the organ most directly at risk.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Environmental health reports and scientific studies consistently mention skin cancer as a major health consequence of increased ultraviolet exposure due to ozone layer thinning. International agencies such as the World Health Organization highlight higher skin cancer rates in regions with strong sunlight and reduced ozone. They also emphasise protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing. In contrast, other cancers like breast, lung or blood cancers are influenced by different risk factors and are not primarily attributed to ozone depletion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Breast cancer is influenced by genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors; sunlight exposure plays a minor role at most. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, air pollution and occupational exposures rather than ultraviolet radiation. Blood cancers such as leukaemia arise from complex genetic and environmental factors not directly linked to ozone layer changes. Bone cancer also has other causes and is not a primary concern in discussions about ultraviolet exposure. Thus, these options do not correctly capture the major cancer risk tied to ozone depletion.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners may think of lung cancer because they associate the atmosphere with breathing and air pollution, which is a different issue. Others may assume that any increase in radiation will cause all types of cancer equally, which is not accurate. Focusing on the fact that ultraviolet B radiation mainly affects the skin and eyes, and that skin cancer incidence is highly sensitive to ultraviolet exposure, helps identify the correct answer quickly.

Final Answer:

Depletion of the ozone layer is strongly associated with an increased risk of Skin cancer.