Global Warming and Skin Cancer
The greenhouse gases that are causing global warming may also contribute
to higher risks for skin cancer.
It is well-known that exposure to ultraviolet radiation caused by the use of chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons that deplete the ozone layer and allow harmful amounts of ultraviolet B radiation to reach earth’s surface. Research shows that for a 1 percent decrease in stratospheric ozone there will be a 2 percent increase in UV radiation and along with that, an increase in skin cancer.
In recent years, the depletion of stratospheric ozone due to use of chlorofluorocarbons has decreased as the use of these chemicals has decreased. But global warming is causing another kind of damage to the protective ozone layer.
Greenhouse gases, like those from fossil-fuel combustion, keep heat from escaping the atmosphere, reflecting it back towards Earth. Like a greenhouse, these gases allow light in, but do not let heat out.
The gases slow the speed at which ozone holes can close and may also create new holes, allowing more UV radiation to get through. In addition, a change to warmer conditions could encourage more outdoor activity that would increase population exposure to sunlight and the health risks of such exposure. According to a report from the Skin Cancer Foundation, the result could be a massive increase in skin cancers.