The Link between Climate Change, UV Radiation and Skin Cancer Risk

Presenter

Jennifer Lee Diaz

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A55, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Exposure to sunlight's Ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm our skin, even leading to cancer. The amount of melanin, which gives skin its color, determines how much UV radiation gets through the epidermis to cause damage. By studying scientific literature, we examined the data on the increase in UV radiation levels due to climate change. Data shows that changes in atmospheric conditions due to pollution and ozone depletion due to climate change are some reasons for higher UV radiation. The objective of this research is to study how UV exposure relates to skin cancer risk. The common types UV related skin cancer addressed here are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. We studied existing research to see how UV radiation levels are rising because of climate change. Things like ozone depletion and changes in the atmosphere are making UV-related skin cancer more common. Different types of UV light affect the skin differently: UVA goes deep, causing aging and DNA damage, UVB mostly affects the surface, causing sunburn and cancer risk, and UVC isn't as much of a concern naturally, but artificial sources for light used for disinfection still need attention. There are some efficient new ways to protect oneself from UV rays, like wearable devices that monitor UV exposure, clothes that block UV, sunscreens that are better for the environment, films for windows that keep out UV, skincare products made from plants that resist UV, and even city planning that uses surfaces to reflect UV away.

Keywords

UV Radiation, Skincare, skin cancer, UV

Research Area

Cancer Studies

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