ABSTRACT
The ozone shield protects living things against the destructive effects of ultraviolet rays. In particular, ozone prevents the sun's rays from tearing apart protein molecules in plant and animal life. The existing nuclear stores, if used, would create more than enough nitric oxide to obliterate the ozone. Dr. Fred C. Ikle has explained that the heat produced by a nuclear explosion results in the formation of nitric oxides. As the atomic cloud rises, the nitric oxide molecules destroy the ozone molecules. The resultant loss of ozone could create all sorts of havoc with the delicate and intricate chain of life on earth. Dr. Ikle says that too many punctures could "destroy critical links of the intricate food chain of plants and animals, and thus shatter the ecological structure that permits man to remain alive on the planet.".
