The American Society for Photobiology (ASP) is also “concerned with the interaction of light and living things” including the harmful effects of UV on humans. In its publication the Light and Life brochure, published “to inform government officials, students, and the general public about the science of photobiology,” the ASP states:
• Harmful effects of light. Sunlight is implicated in several skin diseases, including premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Skin sensitivity to sunlight is controlled by the genetic ability of an individual to produce melanin, the pigment that helps protect the skin from light-induced injury.
• Photoprotection. Both topical and systemic sunscreen agents prevent the acute and chronic effects of sunlight. They enable people to work outdoors and enjoy outdoor activities with reduced risk of sun-induced injury. The damage that absorbed light creates in the skin, such as the changes recognized as aging of the skin, is preventable by using new types of water – and sweat – resistant sunscreens.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www. cdc. gov/)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has educational programs and recommendations that are targeted to apply “disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.” On its Web site “Choose Your Cover,” it specifically states:
• … excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture. Such exposure has been associated with various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, one of the most serious and deadly forms.