&EPA
    United States
    Environmental Protection
    Agency
    Did You
    Know?

 Skin cancer is the
 most common form
 of cancer in the
 United States.

 Ultraviolet (UV)
 radiation from the
 sun and from
 tanning beds is
 classified as a
 human carcinogen
 by the U.S.
 Department of
 Health and Human
 Services and the
 World Health
 Organization.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA 430-F-10-026
June 2010
www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html
                     Health  Effects of

                     Overexposure to the  Sun     ,

                     Ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's
                     harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This fact sheet provides a quick overview of the major
                     health problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation:
                     • Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)
                     • 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
                     the sun while lowering your chances of sun-related health problems.
Skin Cancer
Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of
breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop
skin cancer in their lifetime. One American dies from skin cancer every hour.
Unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for ski
cancer.
Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common
cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. While melanoma accounts
for about three percent of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75 percent of skin
cancer deaths. UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood, are risk
factors for the disease. Not all melanomas are exclusively sun-related—other possible
influences include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancers
Non-melanoma skin cancers are less deadly than melanomas. Nevertheless, they can
spread if left untreated, causing disfigurement and more serious health problems.
There are two primary types of non-melanoma skin cancers: basal cell and squamous
cell carcinomas. If caught and treated early, these two cancers are rarely fatal.
                                                                                      lors.
         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 it rarely spreads to other parts of the body.  It can, however, penetrate
         to the bone and cause considerable damage.

-------
                   •  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-textured 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 manifesting 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.
However, up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
With proper protection from UV radiation, 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 (tissue growth that can
block vision), skin cancer around the
eyes, and degeneration of the macula
(the part of the retina where visual
perception is most acute). All of
these problems can be lessened with
proper eye protection. Look for
sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses
if you wear them, that offer 99 to 100
percent UV protection.
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. For example, the skin normally mounts a
defense against foreign invaders such as cancers and infections. But
overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the immune system,
reducing the skin's ability to protect against these invaders.
                      The UV Index
           The UV Index forecasts the strength of the sun's
          harmful rays. The higher the number, the greater
                    the chance of sun damage.
     12345678910  11+
  Visitwww.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html
 For More Information
 To learn more about UV radiation and health effects, as well as
 EPA's SunWise Program, an environmental and health education
 program, call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at
 800.296.1996, or visit our Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone/
 strathome.html.

-------