Research on ozone protection has been coordinated under the Biological and Climatic Effects Research (BACER) Program. This is a multiagency, multidisciplinary effort initially funded by The Environmental Protection Agency. Its purpose is to reduce uncertainties regarding ozone depletion to improve regulatory decision-making. Health, biological, ecological, climatic and social/economic effects are studied. Activities include surveys of skin cancer among populations at different latitudes, measurements of solar UV-B (290-320nm) at the sites, tests of over 100 plant species under simulated and natural UV-B levels, experiments with aquatic ecosystems, and social/economic workshops. Results to date are as follows: surveys generally support belief that skin cancer incidence is related to UV-B exposure; mortality from skin cancer is increasing among the young, probably due to changes in life style--more time outdoors; all plants tested are sensitive to UV-B at some exposure level; some plants are stunted, others suffer bleached or discolored leaves; UV-B damages larvae of shrimp, crab, mackerel and anchovy; photorepair mechanism is suggested as a potential mitigator of UV-B effects in plants; field type, medium resolution spectroradiometer and calibration standards were developed; and a conceptual model, including parameter uncertainties, is developed for integrated assessment of costs/benefits of control vs. non-control. Reliability of assessments increase as parameter uncertainties decrease--do not have to revise model for new data.

Issued January 1978. "First Research Report to Congress, required by the Ozone Protection Sections of the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1977 ; PL 95-95." Includes bibliographical references. "EPA 600/8-78-002."