How does damage to the ozone layer cause a threat to humans?
A. It increases radiation of heat from Earth into space.
B. It allows damaging infrared radiation to penetrate the atmosphere.
C. It allows damaging ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the atmosphere.
D. It increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the upper atmosphere.
I think it's C.
It's c
You are correct, damage to the ozone layer causes a threat to humans by allowing damaging ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the atmosphere. This can have several negative effects on human health. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to increased risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune system. It can also cause sunburns and premature aging of the skin.
To arrive at this answer, it's important to understand the role of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone molecules located in the stratosphere, which is approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It acts as a protective shield, absorbing most of the sun's harmful UV radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface.
When the ozone layer gets damaged or depleted, more UV radiation can reach the Earth's surface. This is primarily due to the release of certain chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were once commonly used in aerosol propellants, foam-blowing agents, and refrigerants. These chemicals break down in the upper atmosphere, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms, which can cause a chemical reaction that destroys ozone molecules.
So, in summary, damage to the ozone layer allows damaging ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the atmosphere, increasing the risks of various health issues for humans.