Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What is a major concern regarding the degradation of the Stratospheric Ozone Layer?

1. Increased smog air pollution

2. Contributions to global warming

3. Increased ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface

4. Acid rain damaging forests and lakes

The correct answer is: Increased ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface

The major concern regarding the degradation of the Stratospheric Ozone Layer is primarily due to the role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As the ozone layer thins, particularly because of the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, more UV radiation penetrates the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface. Increased exposure to UV radiation can lead to a variety of health and environmental problems. This includes higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues related to UV exposure in humans. Additionally, increased UV levels can disrupt ecosystems, affecting phytoplankton in the oceans and terrestrial plant life, which can have cascading effects on food chains and biodiversity. The other concerns listed, such as increased smog air pollution, contributions to global warming, and acid rain, relate to other environmental issues but are not directly tied to the degradation of the stratospheric ozone layer. Smog is primarily a result of ground-level ozone, which is a different phenomenon. Global warming is linked to greenhouse gas emissions rather than ozone depletion, and acid rain is caused by pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides impacting precipitation. Therefore, the direct link