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`HEALTH
`PHYSICS
`SOCIETY
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`ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
`AND PUBLIC HEALTH
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`POSITION STATEMENT OF THE
`HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY*
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`Adopted: July 1998
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`Contact: Richard J. Burk, Jr.
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` Executive Secretary
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` Health Physics Society
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` Telephone: 703-790-1745
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` Fax: 703-790-2672
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` Email: HPS@BurkInc.com
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` http://www.hps.org
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`One in five persons will be diagnosed with skin cancer sometime in their lifetime. Nearly one million
`new skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States, and more than 40,000 of these cases are
`melanoma. Annually, nearly 10,000 people die of skin cancer including over 7,000 from melanoma.
`Many of these cancers can be prevented by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
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`Most human exposure to ultraviolet comes from the sun. Light rays from the sun are comprised of
`several different bands including UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA constitutes the majority of the ultraviolet
`light that reaches the earth’s surface. UVA has little effect on the skin, but it can trigger phototoxic or
`photoallergic reactions associated with certain medications or illnesses such as Lupus. UVB makes up
`only 10% of the ultraviolet light that reaches the earth’s surface, but it is nearly 1,000 times more efficient
`than UVA in causing a sun tan and associated skin damage. UVB causes burning and damage to the skin,
`including increased risk of skin cancer. UVC, used in germicidal lamps, causes almost no damage
`because of its low penetration of the skin.
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`The atmosphere, especially the ozone layer, filters ultraviolet light and is most effective in early morning
`and late afternoon. Ultraviolet penetration is greatest between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
`UVB intensity increases about 3% for every thousand feet in elevation and, like light, is reflected
`variously from most objects. Sand may reflect about 1/3 of the UVB and snow, ice, and water may reflect
`up to 100%. Ironically, water vapor neither adsorbs nor reflects very much UVB; consequently, cloudy
`days offer no protection from UVB.
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`The primary source of artificially produced UVB is tanning booths. The American Academy of
`Dermatology estimates that one million Americans visit tanning salons every day and that the average 15
`to 30 minute visit is equivalent to an entire day at the beach. The tanning bed light can burn both skin and
`eyes and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Public health experts and medical professionals continue to
`warn people that even moderate use of tanning beds may cause skin cancer including melanoma. The
`Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to
`avoid use of tanning beds and sun lamps.
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`EXHIBIT 1012
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`The Health Physics Society advocates that the public be provided adequate information to understand the
`potential risks from ultraviolet radiation and to make decisions that decrease their risk of skin cancer. The
`Society supports and urges public agencies, including local agencies, to take a more active role in
`educating the public on these risks and in methods to reduce risk. To assist the public, health officials,
`and the media, the Society offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk of cancer from
`exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
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`1. Avoid the use of tanning beds or sun lamps. Unless directed by a physician, people should not use
`tanning equipment. Such equipment offers no health benefit and significantly increases the risk of
`skin cancer.
`2. Protect yourself from the sun. To reduce exposure to harmful UVB radiation, people should
`practice the following:
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`• Minimize exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
`If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek the shade.
`• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB and has a Sun
`Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
`• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming or
`perspiring.
`• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
`• Avoid reflective surfaces.
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`_______________________________________________
`* The Health Physics Society is a non profit scientific professional organization whose mission is to promote the practice
`of radiation safety. Since its formation in 1956, the Society has grown to approximately 6,000 scientists, physicians,
`engineers, lawyers, and other professionals representing academia, industry, government, national laboratories, the
`department of defense, and other organizations. Society activities include encouraging research in radiation science,
`developing standards, and disseminating radiation safety information. Society members are involved in understanding,
`evaluating, and controlling the potential risks from radiation relative to the benefits. Official position statements are
`prepared and adopted in accordance with standard policies and procedures of the Society. The Society may be contacted
`at: 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd,. Suite 402, McLean, VA 22101; phone: 703-790-1745; FAX: 703-790-2672; email:
`HPS@BurkInc.com.
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