South America exposed to more UV light in 2009 due to ozone hole

A shift in the ozone hole located above Antarctica has caused dangerous UV light exposure over South America. Many people potentially exposed to abnormally high levels of UV light.

The ozone layer is an important part of the atmosphere, because it protects plants, animals, and humans from harmful UV light generated by the sun. A hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica develops around September and usually lasts until December has shifted. It has moved to the southern tip of South America, which leaves the area exposed to abnormally high levels of UV light exposure. According to ground base measurements and satellites, it was found that the ozone layer above southern South America was extremely low from November 11 to November 30, 2009. This occurred over a populated area and the ozone levels have never been so low in the last 30 years, according to researchers.