Destruction of the ozone layer - our problem too 

Wednesday September 17 2003 by Hezra C. Medica. 

Although the threats of ozone depletion may seem as distant to us in this part of the region, if the layer were to face further deterioration, the effects would be far reaching and non-discriminatory. 

Scientists classify ultra violet radiation into three types; UV-B is one type partially filtered by the ozone layer and is the one mainly responsible for the negative impacts on the environment and health. The major effects of increased exposure to UV-B radiation are severe.

It can cause suppression of the immune system by damaging the DNA, resulting in increased incidents and occurrences of infectious diseases. UV-B radiation is known to cause skin cancers and also damage to the eyes including eye cataracts, which in many countries represent a major cause of blindness. Senior Environment Officer, Daryl Matthew, notes that while the Caribbean is not particularly susceptible to problems such as skin cancer (as a result of UV-B radiation), with further depletion of the ozone layer, this can be become likely. Animals such as cows, goats, sheep, cats and dogs are also at risk for skin cancer via high exposure to UV-B radiation.

With regards to plants and trees, experiments on crops have shown that the ones most susceptible to UV-B include mustard, melon and cabbage (of which the latter two are popular with farmers in Antigua & Barbuda). The ultraviolet radiation causes changes in the chemical composition of several species of plants and makes them more susceptible to plant fungi and viral diseases. Increased exposure to UV-B also reduces the quality of certain types of beets, soybeans, potatoes and tomatoes. 

Aquatic organisms would not be spared damage from the effects of UV-B. Aquatic organisms especially plankton, aquatic plants, fish larvae, shrimps and crabs- all of which form the essential base of the marine and aquatic food web are susceptible to damage from exposure to UVB. This translates into the potential for the devastation of the fishing industry, which is an important one in Antigua & Barbuda. 

Even the materials used in buildings, paints, wood, rubbers and plastic would be impacted. In our tropical climate, such damage would be severe because high temperatures and levels of sunlight would enhance the effects. Such damage could translate into millions of dollars each year. 

The depletion of the ozone layer also results in climate changes and rise in the sea levels. With our size and already high temperatures, it is easy to see how this translates into woes for our nation and region. 

Matthew, is appealing to the public to be "more conscious' about the goods that they buy so as to facilitate a reduction or elimination in the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone depleting substances. 

Yesterday, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was celebrated with the theme "Save our Sky: There is a Hole Lot More to do for Our Children." 

Under the Montreal Protocol, a number of Ozone depleting substances (ODS) have been identified and their production and use controlled. ODS are chemical substances that have the potential to react with ozone molecules in the stratosphere, destroying them as a result and are basically chlorinated, fluorinated or brominated hydrocarbons. These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluoroccarbons (HCFCs), halons, and methyl bromide. These are usually utilised as refrigerants, blowing agents, cleaning solvent, propellants, sterilants, fire extinguishers, and fumigant and as feedstock. 

Antigua & Barbuda has been credited as being in full compliance with the Montreal Protocol, showing sustained reduction in the use of CFCs and other ozone depleting substances. 

SOURCE: Antigua Sun