United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA430-F-99-025
September 1999
www.epa.gov/sunwise
r
Health Effects of
Overexposure to the Sun
Since the appearance of an "ozone hole" over the Antarctic in the early 1980s,
Americans have become aware of the health threats posed by ozone depletion,
which decreases our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's harmful ultra-
violet (UV) rays. This fact sheet provides a quick overview of the major health
problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation:
• Skin cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma)
• Premature aging of the skin and other skin problems
• Cataracts and other eye damage
• Immune system suppression
Understanding these risks and taking a few sensible precautions will help you to
enjoy the sun while lowering your chances of sun-related health problems later
in life.
Skin Cancer
The incidence of skin cancer in the United States has reached epidemic propor-
tions. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one
American dies every hour from this devastating disease. Medical research is help-
ing us understand the causes and effects of skin cancer. Many health and educa-
tion groups are working to reduce the incidence of this disease, of which one
million cases have been predicted for 1999 alone.
Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is also one of the fastest growing
types of cancer in the United States. Many dermatologists believe there may be a
link between childhood sunburns and melanoma later in life. Melanoma cases in
this country have more than doubled in the past 2 decades, and the rise is expect-
ed to continue.
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
Nonmelanoma skin cancers are less deadly than melanomas. Nevertheless, left
untreated, they can spread, causing disfigurement and more serious health prob-
lems. More than 960,000 Americans will develop nonmelanoma skin cancer in
1999, while more than 2,000 will die from the disease. There are two primary
types of nonmelanoma skin cancers. These two cancers have a cure rate as high as
95 percent if detected and treated early. The key is to watch for signs and seek
medical treatment.
• Basal Cell Carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer
tumors. They usually appear as small, fleshy bumps or nodules on the
head and neck, but can occur on other skin areas. Basal cell carcinoma
grows slowly, and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It can, how-
ever, penetrate to the bone and cause considerable damage.
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1 +
VeryHigh
5to6
Moderate
Oto2
Minimal
The UV Index provides
numeric values and describes a
person's likelihood of exposure
to the sun's harmful rays.
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas are tumors that may appear as nodules or
as red, scaly patches. This cancer can develop into large masses, and
unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Other Skin Damage
Other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging
of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur on body areas exposed
to the sun. The face, hands, forearms, and the "V" of the neck are especially
susceptible to this type of lesion. Although premalignant, actinic keratoses are a
risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Look for raised, reddish, rough-tex-
tured growths and seek prompt medical attention if you discover them. Chronic
exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the
skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often mani-
festing itself many years after the majority of a person's sun exposure, premature
aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. With
proper protection from UV radiation, however, most premature aging of the
skin can be avoided.
Cataracts and Other Eye Damage
Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency in the lens of
the eye clouds vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Research
has shown that UV radiation increases the likelihood of certain cataracts.
Although curable with modern eye surgery, cataracts diminish the eyesight of
millions of Americans and cost billions of dollars in medical care each year.
Other kinds of eye damage include pterygium (i.e., tissue growth that can block
vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (i.e., the
part of the retina where visual perception is most acute). All of these problems
can be lessened with proper eye protection from UV radiation.
Immune Suppression
Scientists have found that overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper
functioning of the body's immune system and the skin's natural defenses. All
people, regardless of skin color, might be vulnerable to effects including
impaired response to immunizations, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and reac-
tions to certain medications.
EPA's SunWise School Program
In response to the serious public health threat posed by overexpo-
sure to UV radiation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is working with schools and communities across the nation
through the SunWise School Program. SunWise aims to teach
children in elementary school and their caregivers how to protect
themselves from overexposure to the sun.
For More Information
To learn more about how to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun's UV
rays, refer to EPA's fact sheet about action steps for sun protection (EPA430-F-
99-026). For more information, call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Information
Hotline at 800 296-1996 or visit our Web site at .
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