Although these are the most treatable, for about one percent of the population, they are fatal. Additionally, about 25,000 cases of malignant melanoma, a much more serious form of skin cancer, occur each year. In about 20 percent of the cases, this cancer is fatal. If there is an increase in UV radiation, the risks go up for all types of skin cancer. The latest predictions are 200,000 additional cancer cases per year.
Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, which can lead to blindness.
According to studies, increased UV radiation may lead to an additional 18 million new cases of cataracts. If damage to the ozone layer is halted, it is estimated that over 90 percent of those cataract cases can be prevented. Some scientists theorize that increased UV radiation suppresses the ability of the body's immune system to fend off diseases such as herpes simplex. Research indicates that vegetation, particularly crops, can be adversely affected by UV radiation. Combined with a bad growing season such as a drought, severe crop reductions could have a devastating effect on the world's food supply.