Ozone layer sparks health concerns

The discovery of a growing hole in the ozone layer above the Arctic Circle has sparked global concerns about its impact on densely populated northern hemisphere countries.

The discovery of a growing hole in the ozone layer above the Arctic Circle has sparked global concerns about its impact on densely populated northern hemisphere countries.

Research published in the scientific journal "Nature" shows Arctic ozone depletion accelerated at record speed this year because of a prolonged winter chill.

It's feared the unprecedented depletion could expose millions to harmful levels of ultra-violet radiation.

"While the Antarctic hole is located well away from densely-populated countries in the southern hemisphere, it's a different story with Arctic ozone depletion, which could have a severe impact on millions of people, as well as animals and plant life," Dr Roger Dargaville from Melbourne University told SBS.

The increase comes despite a world-wide crackdown on the use of ozone-depleting chloro-fluoro-carbons, or CFCs, in manufacturing products like fridges and aerosols.