The fact that increased rates of skin cancer may not become apparent until 15 to 40 years after ozone depletion has occurred illustrates the concept of lag time.

Skin Cancer

A type of cancer that forms in the cells of the skin, often due to exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Ozone Depletion

A reduction in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, leading to increased ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Lag Time

The delay between the initiation of a process and the occurrence of its effects, often seen in natural and engineered systems.