title: The wavelengths in sunlight effective in producing skin cancer: a theoretical analysis.
abstract: DNA is taken as the target for skin cancer induced by ultraviolet light, and the known data on the sensitivity of DNA as a function of wavelength are summarized. The sun's spectrum at the surface of the earth and the DNA action spectrum are used to calculate the carcinogenic effectiveness as a function of wavelength. The most effective wavelengths at 30 degrees N latitude are <305 nm, and a 1% change in atmospheric ozone results in a 2% change in the effective dose of ultraviolet light. Since both the basic biological and physical data are reasonably precise, the major requirement for a quantitative evaluation of the dose response relation for ultraviolet-induced skin cancer in man is better epidemiological data to compare with data from animal models.
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D008954:Models, Biological; D010126:Ozone; D010777:Photochemistry; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D010126:Ozone; D004247:DNA