Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified in Public Health Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Gear up for your success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How does the degradation of the ozone layer affect health?

By increasing infectious diseases
By limiting the effectiveness of medications
By allowing more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth
By causing mental health decline

The correct answer is: By allowing more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth

The correct answer is grounded in the role of the ozone layer as a protective shield for the Earth. The ozone layer absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the ozone layer is degraded, whether through human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or other environmental factors, more UV radiation can penetrate the atmosphere and reach the surface of the Earth. Increased exposure to UV radiation is directly linked to several health issues. One of the most significant effects is an increase in skin cancers, particularly malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. UV exposure can also lead to cataract formation and other eye diseases. Additionally, heightened UV radiation can suppress the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off certain illnesses and infections. Thus, understanding the connection between ozone depletion and increased UV radiation highlights the critical importance of the ozone layer in maintaining public health.