ULTRAVIOLET-B RADIATION WAS INCREASED AT GROUND-LEVEL IN SCOTLAND DURING A PERIOD OF OZONE DEPLETION

The potentially harmful effects associated with stratospheric ozone de pletion are widely acknowledged, As the ozone layer principally absorb s ultraviolet (UV) radiation of wavelengths below 290 nm, reductions i n stratospheric ozone levels are likely to result in increased UVB at the earth's surface, with the risk of increased incidence of skin canc er. Measuring the sun's spectrum at ground level requires sophisticate d and reliable spectral instruments. Results are reported for this for the first time in the U.K. using spectral instruments, showing a sign ificant increase in short wavelength UV radiation at a time of deplete d stratospheric ozone. If this trend increases, future ozone depletion could contribute to known risks for cutaneous malignancies of all typ es.