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| UV            IndexUV Index            ScaleHow             UV Index is            Calculated Health Effects             of            OverexposureUV Index            ResourcesHealth         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 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 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           proportions. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their           lifetime, and one American dies every hour from this devastating disease.           Medical research is helping us understand the causes and effects of           skin cancer. Many health and education groups are working to reduce           the incidence of this disease, of which 1.3 million cases have been           predicted for 2000 alone, according to The American Cancer Society.
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 expected 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 problems. More than 1.2 million Americans will develop nonmelanoma             skin cancer in 2000 while more than 1,900 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,             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.           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 reactions to certain medications.

For more information on UV and health effects, see the Publications           section. 
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