Excessive UV-B inhibits the growth processes of almost all green plants. There is concern that ozone depletion may lead to a loss of plant species and reduce global food supply. Any change in the balance of plant species can have serious effects, since all life is interconnected. Plants form the basis of the food web, prevent soil erosion and water loss, and are the primary producers of oxygen and a primary sink (storage site) for carbon dioxide.

Exposure to UV-B radiation causes skin cancer, hastens skin aging, and can cause eye damage. The human immune system can also be weakened by exposure to UV-B. It is important to note, however, that UV-B radiation has always had these effects on humans. In recent years these effects have become more prevalent because Canadians are spending more time in the sun and are exposing more of their skin in the process. See similar questions...

Yes, partly. Plants already have reasonable UV shielding; for most plants only a small proportion of the UV-B radiation striking a leaf actually penetrates very far into the inner tissues. Also, when exposed to an enhanced UV-B level, many species of plants can increase the UV-absorbing pigments in their tissues. Other adaptations include increased thickness of leaves which reduces the proportion of inner tissues exposed to UV-B radiation. See similar questions...

Moderate exposure is the most responsible way to maximize the potential benefits of sun or UV exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight. Avoiding sunburns is critical to moderation. Experiencing painful sunburns before the age of 20-not lifetime exposure to the sun-is the factor associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. According to Dr. See similar questions...

Try looking up specific interests on the SpaceBio site found at http://www.spacebio.net. This site contains information and photos, diagrams, etc. on all these topics. For information about the human body in space, visit the on-line textbook found at http://www.nsbri.org/HumanPhysSpace/index.html published by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. For photos and information about specific missions, try the Life Sciences Data Archives found at http://www.lsda.jsc.nasa.gov. See similar questions...

Cloning does not change DNA, and clones are not genetically engineered animals. It is simply assisted reproduction, similar to embryo transfer, artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization. See similar questions...

The hearing damage criteria established by the OSHA noise regulation takes into consideration the noise level and the exposure time. An exposure to 90 dB for eight hours is considered to be safe by OSHA, but it is recommended that you always use hearing protection when exposed to 100dB or more, even if the exposure is short. The exposure is doubled for every increase of 5 dB, as defined by OSHA. (Physically the sound pressure level doubles every 3 dB). See similar questions...

Most people think that they're only at risk when they're outside on a sunny day, but UV light can go right through clouds, so it doesn't matter if the sky is overcast. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm. Glare and reflections can give you trouble, so have your sunglasses ready if you'll be around snow, water or sand, or if you'll be driving (windshields are a big glare source). See similar questions...

No. To date, no well-designed studies support the connection between melanoma and UV exposure from tanning beds. The relationship between melanoma and UV light exposure is complex. For example, melanoma is more common in people who work indoors than in those who work outdoors, and those who work both indoors and outdoors develop the fewest melanomas. Further, melanoma most commonly appears on parts of the body that do not receive regular exposure to UV light. See similar questions...

LAMTEC's facings are manufactured with plastic films containing UV inhibitors and are designed for interior applications. Facings containing plastic films are not recommended for building structures (such as pavilions) with open walls. The overall appearance of most installations improves over time. A major contributor is the recovery of the fiberglass that occurs with the expansion and contraction of the building. See similar questions...

UV-B light is generally harmful to plants, but sensitivity varies widely and is not well understood. Many species of plants are not UV-B sensitive; others show marked growth reduction and DNA damage under increased UV-B light levels. It is thought that ozone depletion may not have a significant detrimental effect on agricultural crops, as UV-B tolerant varieties of grains could fairly easily be substituted for existing varieties. See similar questions...

Not necessarily. The effect of clouds on UV radiation is as varied as the clouds themselves. Fully overcast skies lead to reductions in surface UV irradiance. On average, scattered or broken clouds also cause reductions, but short-term or localised UV levels can be larger than for cloud-free skies if direct sunlight is also present. See similar questions...

Absolutely. There is a growing body of well-conducted, validated scientific research demonstrating that the production of the activated form of vitamin D is one of the most effective ways the body controls abnormal cell growth. Moderate exposure to sunlight is the only way for the body to manufacture the vitamin D necessary for producing activated vitamin D. See similar questions...

The protective benefits of UV radiation are undeniable. Warnings about limited and sensible exposure to the sun or UV radiation are exaggerated. Several researchers, most notably Dr. William Grant, have published peer-reviewed articles demonstrating that in America, for example, increased sun exposure would result in 185,000 fewer cases of internal cancer and 30,000 fewer deaths from cancer of the breast, ovaries, colon, prostate, bladder, uterus, esophagus, rectum and stomach. See similar questions...

Bill C45 was just became law as of March 0f 2004, this Federal Bill added provisions to the Criminal Code to prosecute for negligence of OH&S responsibilities. Click here for a copy of The Plain Language Guide to Bill C45. B. This bill shouldn't affect you or your business if you are currently in full compliance with the OHSA. But if you are not in full compliance with the OHSA there is always risk of criminal charges as well as charges under the OHSA. See similar questions...

for wildlife, the list is quite long. We see the following feral animals (domestic animals gone wild) frequently: pigs, goats, sheep, donkey, mongoose, cat. We see the following native animals species less frequently: Hawaiian Owl (Pueo), Hoary bat, Nene (goose), Palila, Apapane, I'O(hawk), Wekiu, Golden Plover. We also see many native plants. Along our route we can see Koa, Mamane, Naio, Puakeawe and Ohia trees. See similar questions...

Shingle Shield is EPA approved and should be used as directed in a manner consistent with the provided instructions, and as such is considered safe. Zinc is an essential element of the human body. It can be found in vitamins, and as an additive in breakfast cereals. See similar questions...

Possibly. Amphibian populations are in serious decline in many areas of the world, and scientists are seeking explanations for this. Most amphibian population declines are probably due to habitat destruction or habitat alteration. Some declines are probably the result of natural population fluctuations. Other explanations for the population declines, as well as the reductions in range of habitation, include disease, pollution, atmospheric changes and introduced competitors and predators. See similar questions...

Use a "broad spectrum" sunscreen. The operative word here is "use". Sunscreens can't help you unless you use them and reapply them often. Get a good hat and keep it on. The typical American Baseball hat provides little UV protection. While it protects your nose and forehead, it does nothing for your ears, cheeks, and neck... THE MOST COMMON AREAS FOR SKIN CANCERS TO FORM!!!! Wear only a baseball hat and you are at risk of skin cancer in those areas. See similar questions...