Does the amount of UV light that Australians get contribute to their high skin cancer rates? Explain in more than 3 paragraphs with claim, reasoning and evidence.
3 answers
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This is due largely to our climate, the fact that many of us have fair skin that isn't really suited to such harsh conditions, our proximity to the equator (high UV levels) and our social attitudes and love for the outdoors.
During summer, the Earth's orbit brings Australia closer to the sun (as compared to Europe during its summer), resulting in an additional 7% solar UV intensity. Coupled with our clearer atmospheric conditions, this means that Australians are exposed to up to 15% more UV than Europeans.
At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. The risk is higher in men than in women
1 answer