Ozone Gas layer protects us from –

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

The ozone layer is a region in the Earth's stratosphere with a high concentration of ozone (O₃).
Its primary function is to act as a filter, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays.
This absorption protects living organisms on Earth from the damaging effects of excessive UV exposure, such as skin cancer and cataracts.

Option B: The ozone layer does not protect against infectious diseases caused by pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Its protective role is specific to radiation.
Option C: The stratospheric ozone layer does not filter out air, water, or soil pollutants. In fact, certain pollutants (like CFCs) are responsible for its depletion.
Option D: Rain and other weather events occur in the troposphere, the atmospheric layer below the stratosphere where the ozone layer resides. The ozone layer does not influence weather.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Function of the Ozone Layer helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the ozone layer's function is crucial for public health education. Nurses play a role in advising patients on sun safety to prevent conditions linked to UV exposure, such as skin cancer (melanoma) and cataracts.
Patient education should include recommending the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (hats, sunglasses), and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
This knowledge is especially important when caring for vulnerable populations, including infants, children, the elderly, fair-skinned individuals, and patients on photosensitizing medications.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Ozone Gas layer'.
The question asks for the primary protective function of this layer. This is a factual recall question based on general science knowledge.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge. Recall that the ozone layer is famous for its role in blocking solar radiation.
Option A, 'Sun’s ultraviolet rays,' directly matches this well-known function.
Consider the other options: 'Diseases,' 'Pollution,' and 'Rain' relate to immunology, environmental science, and meteorology, respectively, but are not the primary function of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Conclude that the most accurate and direct answer is the protection from UV rays.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) pp. 138-140, 137-139

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 292-294

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.