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Question
Hi, my name is John; I need help with some coursework that was set for us about a week ago. I am sure you have already been asked this but I need a lot more info. We were asked to write an essay on the question: should we spend more time in the sun. My problem is that I can’t find any bad points to balance the scales - so to speak. All I find is things that are positive or that I already have. Can you tell me about any bad points or even your experiences that I can add to my essay?

Answer
Hi John:  The biggest problem with spending too much time in the sun are skin cancers.  Ultraviolet light is a mutagen which can cause genetic changes in skin cells.  This can lead to melanoma (a very bad cancer), basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  You can find much more information if you search "sun skin cancer".  Use the quotes or you will get forms of cancer not caused by the sun.

The good points (as you have probably found) are the production of Vitamin D.

I hope this answer has helped you.  Please write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD

Biology

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Florence M Rollwagen

Expertise

I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.

Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology

Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966 MS biology 1968 PhD immunology 1979

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