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Global Change Research News #7: Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion
Citation:
Global Change Research News #7: Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion. 1999.
Description:
This edition focuses on a recent UNEP report entitled, "Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion: 1998 Assessment." Dr. Richard Zepp (ORD/NERL) is one of the Lead Authors of this report. The 1998 assessment focuses on new information produced since 1994. It also includes earlier results as background information, so that it can be read without having previous reports at hand. The report reviews satellite-based observations of atmospheric ozone and clouds that are being used, together with models of atmospheric transmission, to provide global coverage and long-term estimates of surface UV-B radiation. The report also provides updated information on the effects of enhanced UV radiation on air quality and the oxidizing capacity of the lower atmosphere. It discusses recent research on trifluoroacetate, a persistent breakdown product of some of the CFC substitutes. Also, recent studies of the effects of UV radiation on materials such as synthetic polymers and biopolymers are covered in the report.