Dear Folks,

There are questions left unanswered concerning the function of the Ozone layer at the Earth's stratosphere, and the harmful effect of excessive UV-B radiation from the Sun. Another question raised by kivi is the medical application of UV radiation for healing of any illness.

The natural Ozone layer was discovered to be depleting in the early 20th century and has become prominent, as the hole at the Antartic region grew larger, so prompted the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, governments have decided to eventually discontinue production of CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform (except for a few special uses), and industry has developed more "ozone-friendly" substitutes. All other things being equal, and with adherence to the international agreements, the ozone layer is expected to recover over the next 50 years or so.

However, CFC is not the only cause of the depletion of the Ozone layer. Sulfur gases spew by volcanic erruptions also cause the holes in the stratosphere. Ozone is also used by water treatment plants to kill micro-organisms in the water, this is the alternative to the use of Chlorine gas. UV radiation is also beneficial to us and has medical application for treatment of jaundice among infants.

This medical report: (Courtesy of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine)
PHOTOTHERAPY AND PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY

Phototherapy refers to the therapeutic effectiveness of UV (usually 290 to 320 nm) or visible radiation without the systemic use of a drug. Photochemotherapy, on the other hand, involves the combination of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation and a systemically administered, photochemically reactive agent.

Phototherapy with blue light (430 to 500 nm) enhances the photodegradation and excretion of bilirubin in neonatal jaundice. Psoriasis, eczema, and pityriasis rosea may improve with controlled Sun exposures. UV-B radiation (290 to 320 nm) is, therefore a part of the therapeutic regimen for these dermatoses.

James 007

Replying to [James 007]:

Replying to [James 007]:That should put the right facts about the Ozone, instead of some gut feelings, and bull.

Ozone is poisonous, and also used in medicine, for antiseptic, combined with water to be Hydrogen Peroxide.

UV rays of high intensity is also used to sterilize water. Apart from that, there may be other application, but for the higher atmosphere, it acts as a sunglass to block out harmful radiation from the Sun.

Street