THE ozone layer above Scotland is thinner than at any point in the last ten years, according to new research which has prompted fresh concerns over skin cancer rates.

Levels of ozone, which play a crucial role in helping to filter out harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, were thought to be rising after the systematic banning of the CFC chemicals which were damaging it.

But now experts believe global warming is changing conditions in the upper atmosphere and leading to a reduction in levels again.

Cancer experts warned yesterday that the results meant it was more important than ever for people to take precautions when in the sun.

Last year’s ozone level, recorded by a monitoring station on Lerwick, was the lowest since 1996 and the second lowest since 1981.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), which will discuss the situation at a conference this autumn, said less ozone in the upper atmosphere could have harmful effects on humans, animals and plants.

“In general, a reduction in ozone layer is likely to result in increased ultra-violet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface,” she said.

“While small amounts of UV radiation are beneficial, prolonged exposure may result in effects on the skin, eyes and immune system, including an increased risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts.

“Animals and plants may experience harmful effects with resulting consequences for biodiversity and food supply.”

More than 70,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in Britain, with 1,800 people dying from the disease. The incidence of melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, has doubled over the past 20 years.

Dr Michael Edward, skin cancer development expert from the department of dermatology at the University of Glasgow, warned the findings meant it was more important than ever for people to take sensible precautions before going out in the sun.

“UVB rays which are a major cause of skin cancer and primarily responsible for causing sunburn and skin ageing.

“A small depletion of the ozone layer will not effect UVA levels but should have a profound effect on levels of UVB getting through. So you may find that a 5 per cent depletion in the ozone layer won’t result in a 5 per increase in skin cancer. We are more likely to be looking at a rate of 15 per cent over the years.”

CFC chemicals, which destroy ozone and were commonly used in fridges, were phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol of 1987. However the planet is still experiencing the effects of products that were already on the market before the ban.

And yesterday scientists from the United Nations’ weather organisation warned it will take the atmosphere up to 15 years longer than previously predicted to repair the ozone hole over the southern atmosphere.

Dr Mathew Heal, a senior lecturer in environmental chemistry at Edinburgh University, said:

“The lifetimes of the chemicals in the atmosphere is extremely long. Even in optimistic scenarios it is going to take decades for stratospheric ozone to go back to pre-CFC levels.”

Source: Scotsman