The Hole Story:
Ozone Depletion Research in the Areas of Medical, Biological and Veterinary Science, Physics, Pharmacy and Physiology
by Sharon Beder
Introduction
Human Studies of Skin Cancer
Sunscreen and Fabric
The Mouse Model of Cancer
Studies Using Skin Tissue
Drugs and Sunlight
Plant and Algae Growth
Conclusion
Glossary
Book Site Map
Sunscreen and Fabric Protection
Gavin Greenoak and Jules Martin at the Australian Photobiology Testing Facility tests sunscreens for industry and determines their Sunscreen Protection Factors. Dr Paul Walker and Dr Phil Lukins from the School of Physics, with Scott Menzies of the Department of Veterinary Pathology and others are studying how well fabrics screen UV radiation from the skin so that fabrics can be given a Fabric Protection Factor and new, cool, yet protective fabrics can be developed.
According
to Gavin Greenoak there may be no such thing as a safe tan. This is because
a tan is the result of exposure to UV light, which is known to cause cancer
as well as pigmentation. “The presence of a tan may show only how much
a person has been exposed to this skin cancer causing agent. This doesn't mean
a tan doesn't offer some protection but is may not be enough.” A tanned
person is less susceptible to skin damage than a fair skinned person who cannot
tan. “But the notion of a safe tan may be a contradiction when we consider
that non melanoma skin cancer is the arises from cumulative exposure over many
years, and just because someone has a tan doesn't mean that further exposure
to the sun is safe.”
Greenoak is tanned and doesn't believe people should be frightened to go into the sun. “I believe in moderation. We do belong on this earth and we have some natural protective mechanisms to deal with sunlight. I'm careful, I adopt the strategy that is recommended by the State Cancer Councils: staying out of the sun between 11 and 3, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, using a sunscreen (in that order). Now all those kind of policies I absolutely agree with. But I do feel we need to learn to respect the sun as we respect the ocean. It is a learning process - there is no need to hate it, nor to fear it.”
Cartoon by Gary Larson from the Telegraph 26/9/90, copyright Universal Press Syndicate.
Next in this chapter:
Sunscreen
Testing
Sunscreen
Labelling Issues
Relations with the Sunscreen Industry
Fabric Protection Factors
Connection between Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Predicting Fabric Protection Factors
Fabric
Design