Ozone layer

Press, 1 September 1986, Page 20

Ozone layer

Sir, —Ms Edith Farkas, of the Meteorological Office (August 28), reports lower-than-average ozone values in the Invercargill area since 1981 which are possibly linked with the reduction in Antarctic ozone. The possibility that above-normal amounts of ultra-violet radiation will increase the incidence of skin cancer should be taken seriously. It is usually difficult to avoid the effects of dirty air, as for the most part humanity assumes the atmosphere will cleanse itself and to filter dirty air is expensive. Just for once, however, we have a situation in which protection is simple and traditional; indeed there are positive commercial reasons for promoting the sales of hats, barrier creams, etc. Outdoor organisations, like the scouts, should start to rethink the approach made to sunbathing. Until the 19305, the sun was often considered as doing more harm than good, and Health Department pronouncements nowadays seem to support this view.—Yours, etc., P. V. NEARY, Hon. secretary, N.Z. Clean Air Society. August 28, 1986.