Article: Ozone and Skin Cancer

OZONE AND SKIN CANCER
by
Sandra Surbrugg M.D.

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing, and it is believed that the thinning of the ozone layer, which normally absorbs UVB radiation and thus protects us from it, is one of the causes. With less ozone, more UVB reaches the earth. Researchers compared the levels of UVB and the longer wavelength UVA radiation over Scotland in March, 1995 when the ozone was normal, to the levels in March, 1996, a time of record ozone depletion. Considering only clear days, they found a threefold increase in UVB with no increase in UVA during the period of ozone depletion. This suggested that the increase in UVB was not due to clearer weather, but was related to ozone depletion.

Original studies about melanoma did not show the kind of decrease in malignant melanoma that would have been expected with the use of sun block preparations. Ultimately, it was noted that the sun bocks were doing a good job of protecting against UVB overexposure, but not so UVA. The newer sunblock lotions offer substantially better protections against both UVA and UVB light. For additional information about protecting your skin from UV rays, phone CHEYENNE SKIN CLINIC at 635-0226. Our offices are conveniently located at 123 Western Hills Boulevard. New patients are welcome.

P.S. If you develop lumps of unusual shape, if sores do not heal, or it tender, red, hard growths appear on your skin, evaluation by a dermatologist is appropriate.