Deadly Ultraviolet UV-C and UV-B Penetration to Earth’s Surface: Human and Environmental Health Implications

Aims: The dangerous portion of ultraviolet radiation is widely believed to be completely absorbed by
the atmosphere before reaching Earth’s surface. Our objective is to make multiple measurements at
Earth’s surface of the solar irradiance spectrum in the range 200-400 nm.
Methods: We made numerous measurements of the solar irradiance spectrum in the range 200-400
nm at an elevation of 56 m with International Light Technologies ILT950UV Spectral Radiometer
mounted on a Meade LXD55 auto guider telescope tripod and mount assembly.
Results: Our multifold measurements of solar irradiance spectra demonstrate conclusively that all
wavelengths in the spectral range 200-400 nm reach Earth’s surface, contrary to the widespread
perception that all UV-C and the majority of UV-B never reach the surface. We confirm the surface
UV-C measurements of D’Antoni et al. (2007) that were disputed, based on faulty computer model
calculations of atmospheric ozone, and thereafter ignored by the geoscience community.
Conclusions: The veracity of our data and D’Antoni et al. (2007)’s data call into question the validity
of atmospheric ozone models. Further, we call into question the simplistic supposition of the Montreal
Protocol that chloro-fluoro-hydrocarbons are the primary cause of ozone depletion, and point to the
very heavy burden of halogens introduced into the atmosphere by ongoing jet-sprayed coal-fly-ash
geoengineering. We demonstrate that satellite-based LISIRD solar spectra irradiance at the top of the
atmosphere is badly flawed with some regions of the spectrum being less intense than measured at
Earth’s surface. That calls into question any calculations made utilizing LISIRD data. We provide
introductory information on the devastating effects of UV-B and UV-C on humans, phytoplankton,
coral, insects and plants. These will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent articles.