Question

Which of these human activities is most likely to cause incidences of human skin cancer to increase?

A. Use of hair spray containing chlorofluorocarbons
B. Use of solar panels instead of fossil fuels for energy production
C. Increased consumption of beef, which increases methane production
D. Burning of plastics in open burn barrels

Answer 1

A. Use of hair spray containing chlorofluorocarbons.

Skin cancer is caused by DNA damage in the skin and mucous membranes from exposure to UVA and UVB rays. The stratospheric ozone layer protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation by absorbing it. CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) from spray cans, refrigerants and hair sprays causes depletion of the ozone. Ozone loss increases exposure to ultraviolet rays that can increase incidences of human skin cancer.