Climate change leading to more skin cancers, eye damage for Ontario residents: report [Video]

A new report from the Region of Durham’s Health Department declares that climate change may lead to more harmful solar ultraviolet radiation, such as eye damage, skin cancers, sunburn and suppression of the immune system.

The report – Assessing the Impact of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation – finds that climate change is expected to increase solar UVR exposure due to a combination of warmer weather, the potential for reduced cloud cover and low uptake of sun-protective behavior by residents. Prioritizing sun-protection for infants and children, people who sunburn easily or with a history of sunburn or family history of skin cancer, people using certain medications and those who work outdoors, can help prevent harmful health impacts of solar UVR.

“In general, most of our lifetime exposure to solar UVR happens before we reach 18-years old, when skin is most sensitive to sunburns. Even a single severe sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of developing melanoma later in life,” said Durham …