Using mobile devices in the sunlight may cause skin cancer, says study
Posted on: 07/Sep/2015 9:41:19 AM
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology says that high tech gadgets may cause skin cancer. The study says that devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops reflect the sun`s harmful UV rays and so cause cancer. The paper was published by researchers at the University of Mexico.
The scientists have recommended sunscreen and sunglasses while using the devices in the sunlight. They have even recommended that the user cover their faces and necks. Say the researchers, These devices are generally used for communication or entertainment, so it can be easy to overlook their reflective properties unless you happen to catch the glare off a screen... Significant levels of UV exposure, such as those found in this study, increase cumulative lifetime UV dosage.
The scientists set up a mannequin head. The head was wearing a UVA/B light meter. The meter itself was positioned towards a standard musician`s sheet music stand. On this stand, they placed a number of mobile devices and then recorded the UV readings for an hour of exposure between 11am and 12 noon. The devices ranged from an iPhone 5, a few iPad models, 2 Macbook laptops, a Kindle e reader and a magazine.
