Australian Ozone Depletion Causes Increase in Skin Cancer

Australians suffer the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, around 1,200 Australians die from what is an almost totally preventable disease. Everyone can develop skin cancer; however, some people may be at higher risk than others, due to a range of factors.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in Australia are higher than in Europe, even during summer. Being located close to the ozone hole over the Antarctic means much higher, more severe levels of UV radiation get through to ground level. This increased radiation from UV rays leads to pigmentation issues, which can lead to melanoma

During summer, the earth's orbit brings Australia closer to the sun than Europe during its summer, resulting in an additional seven percent solar UV intensity. This, coupled with our clearer atmospheric conditions, means Australians are exposed to up to 15 per cent more UV than Europeans.

Australian media has directly addressed the issue, to the point where they have cartoon commercials that remind people to apply sunscreen.

 http://www.theozonehole.com/australianskincancer.htm