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Stay Out of the Sun!
By Stephen Bucaro
Scientists believe life on earth started in the sea. That's because before the appearance
of the ozone layer, the surface of the earth was bathed in life destroying ultraviolet radiation.
Ozone is a form of oxygen. Whereas, a normal oxygen molecule consists of two oxygen atoms
bound together, ozone is three oxygen atoms bound together. Ozone is much less common than
normal oxygen. Out of two million oxygen molecules, only three are ozone. Ozone in the
stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation, making it safe for life on the surface of the earth.
Ozone molecules in the stratosphere are constantly forming and breaking up. Industrial development
has caused the release of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs in the stratosphere
act as a catalyst, breaking down ozone molecules. CFC molecules are extremely stable. One CFC
molecule can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules.
CFCs are causing ozone to be destroyed faster than it is created. This has caused the ozone layer
to become thinner. In fact, a hole in the ozone layer has opened up over Antarctica. In 2000, the
ozone hole measured 32.9 million square kilometers and extended over populated areas of Australia.
Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can result in a skin cancer called "melanoma".
According to the American cancer Society, each year more than a million new cases of skin cancer
are diagnosed. Melanoma is a highly invasive form of cancer. Even after treatment, a melanoma can
metastasize. Once a melanoma has metastasized, it rarely responds to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The life expectancy of an individual with metastasized melanoma is only a few months, and over
10,000 people die of skin cancer each year.
Many people like to take off their clothes and lay out in the sun for hours, thinking sunscreen
lotion will protect them. They follow the recommendation of using a sunscreen with a minimum
SPF of 15. However, sweat will cause the sunscreen to wash off and become blotchy, allowing
exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Note: In 1998, epidemiologist Merianne Berwick of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center in New York presented an evaluation of several studies on sunscreen use to the
American Association for the Advancement of Sciences. Her conclusion: There is absolutely
no evidence that the use of sunscreen prevents skin cancer. In fact, five of the studies
found that sunscreen users actually had an increased risk of melanoma.
A recent study suggests that 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day will cause your skin
to produce all the vitamin D your body needs to remain healthy. Here in Arizona, 15 minutes
of exposure to sunlight can kill you.
If you must go out in the sun, wear protective clothing regardless of how hot you feel. Even if
you are sweating like Niagara Falls, always wear long sleeves and a hat. Don't forget to cover
areas like your neck and hands. Don't walk over bright surfaces like concrete for long periods
of time. Your face can be exposed to ultraviolet radiation reflected from the ground.
If you like to go outdoors, go out in the morning or evening when the sun is 45 degrees or less
above the horizon. At this angle, sunlight is filtered through a thick layer of atmosphere. You
know it's safe to be outdoors when objects shadows are longer than the objects are tall.
Before the appearance of the ozone layer, the surface of the earth was bathed in ultraviolet
radiation making it impossible for life to exist. Unfortunately, modern industrial society has
created ozone destroying CFC molecules, putting life on earth back in danger. Stay Out of the Sun!
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