What harmful effect can result from increased ultraviolet radiation due to ozone layer depletion?

Increased ultraviolet radiation due to ozone layer depletion has a direct correlation with higher rates of skin cancer. The ozone layer acts as a protective shield that absorbs a significant portion of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When this layer becomes thinner due to various environmental factors, more UV radiation can penetrate to the Earth's surface.

This increase in UV exposure is particularly harmful to human skin cells, which can undergo mutations and ultimately lead to various forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. This link between UV radiation exposure and skin cancer is well-established in scientific literature, reinforcing the importance of the ozone layer in protecting human health.

While other potential consequences like decreased crop yields, respiratory diseases, and increased water pollution may be related to environmental issues, they are not the primary effects associated with the type of UV exposure that results from ozone layer depletion. The emphasis on skin cancer rates highlights the critical importance of the ozone layer and its role in shielding life on Earth from harmful radiation.