development of cataracts a leading cause of blindness (U.S.I.M.O.S., 1975, p. 74). Over southern Chile where ozone depletion from Antarctica has resulted in high UV exposure there have been reports of widespread blindness among rabbits, sheep, horses, and cattle (Cooper, 1992, p. 293).
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that a 10 percent depletion of the ozone layer would also cause up to 26 percent more basal and squamous cell skin cancers (Cooper, 1992, p. 293). This equates to thousands of additional cases of skin cancer each year (Fisher, 1990, p. 109). Furthermore, the agency cites new evidence that UV radiation may also contribute to cancers of the lip and salivary glands (Cooper, 1992, p. 293).
Finally, UV radiation may even undermine the immune system's ability to ward off infectious diseases (Cooper, 1992, p. 293). Animal experiments have indicated that UV exposure may reduce lymphocytes' ability to destroy certain microorganisms that enter the body through the skin (Cooper, 1992, p. 293). These include such pathogens as Leishmania, malaria, schistosoma and the leprosy bacillus (Cooper, 1992, p. 293).
This threat of exposure to excessive UV radiation due to ozone depletion is a relatively recent phenomenon. The chemicals that damage the Earth's stratosphere have only been around since about 1930 (U.S.I.C.A.S., 1975, p. 4). When they were first introduced, chloroflourocarbons were hailed as safe and fire resistant refrigerants (U.S.I.C.A.S., 1975, p. 4). They replaced ammonia which was potentially explosive (Cooper, 1992, p. 296). Their low cost enabled postwar generations of Americans to regard air conditioning as a standard item in their homes and cars (Cooper, 1992, p. 296).
Eventually, CFCs found a variety of different uses. For example, they served as propellants for spray cans and were used in the 1960s and early 70s to apply everything from deodorant and hair spray to hous...