Ozone Layer
In GCSE physics curriculum, one health risk which is definitely present in our environment is ultraviolet, in sunlight. Not much of the ultraviolet reaching the Earth gets to us because the OZONE LAYER (a thin layer of gas in the Earth’s upper atmosphere) absorbs most of it.
The energy from the ultraviolet radiation causes CHEMICAL CHANGES in the upper atmosphere when it is absorbed by the ozone layer, but these changes are REVERSIBLE.
You should know that in GCSE physics, without the ozone layer, the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth would be very harmful to living organisms, especially animals due to cell damage.
In GCSE physics, other physical barriers are used to protect people from ionising radiations:
- Sun-screense
- Clothing can absorb most of the UV radiation – preventing skin cancer
- X-rays are absorbed by dense materials so they can be used to produce shadow pictures of our bones or of objects in aircraft passengers’ luggage
- Radiographers are protected from radiation by dense materials such as lead and concrete
End of this topic!
Drafted by Gina (Physics)