Question

Depletion of which gas in the atmosphere can lead to an increased incidence of skin cancers

• A. Ozone
• B. Ammonia
• C. Methane
• D. Nitrous oxide

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct answer is:

Option 1: Ozone

Explanation:

The depletion of ozone in the atmosphere can lead to an increased incidence of skin cancers. The ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere plays a crucial role in blocking most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV radiation, particularly UV-B rays, reach the Earth's surface. This can increase the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems.

Ozone (O₃) absorbs and filters out most of the harmful UV radiation.

Ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide are greenhouse gases or pollutants, but they do not directly cause an increase in UV radiation exposure like ozone depletion does.

Thus, the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere is directly linked to an increase in skin cancer cases.