The Effect of Ozone Depletion

1.1 The Effect Of Ozone Depletion

As the ozone layer becomes thinner, people are more exposed to higher UV radiation especially UV B. The depletion of the ozone layer can lead to higher risks of skin cancers worldwide. This is confirmed by the World Health Organisation:

"Computational models predict that a 10% decrease in stratospheric ozone could cause an additional 300,000 nom-melanoma and 4500 melanoma skin cancers and between 1.6 and 1.7 million more cases of cataracts world wide every year"

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), (2007)

In the next section the study will lead through the various types of complications and conditions that are related to the sun's harmful effects.

2 Health Effects Of UV Radiation In Malta

The World Health Organisation recognises that some UV radiation is beneficial for people and is essential for the production of Vitamin D. On the other hand prolonged exposure can lead to acute complications and other conditions which may emerge later on in life. Such conditions which will be discussed in this section include skin damage, non-melanoma skin cancers, malignant melanoma, inflammatory reaction of the eye and also negative effects on the immune system.

2.1 Damage to the skin

Several hours of excessive exposure will develop Erythema more commonly known as as sunburn. People with fair skin are more prone to sunburn than people with darker skin due to lesser amounts of melanin. With chronic exposure to UV radiation degenerative changes will occur in cells, fibrous tissues and blood vessels of the skin. These include freckles, pigmentation of the skin, loss of skin elasticity resulting in wrinkles and dry skin.

2.2 Skin cancers

There are three types of cancer that may occur due to over exposure. These are malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamos cell carcinoma.

2.2.1 Malignant melanoma

This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the most common among the age group of 20 to 30 years. Exposure to intense sunlight causing sunburn is a risk factor in the development of malignant melanoma. Family history and numerous moles are both risk factors. New moles or moles that change in shape, size and colour could be symptoms of malignant melanoma. Melanoma can occur at any age, but rarely occurs in children.

The Department of Dermatology at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and the Department of Health Information performed a study which provides more insight of all invasive malignant