Study: Whales Get Sunburned as Ozone Layer Thins

Lauren Frayer - With the ozone layer thinning, whales are getting more sunburned as they come to the water's surface to breathe or fish.

That's according to a report published today by British and Mexican researchers who've been studying the effects of the sun's ultraviolet radiation on whales in the Gulf of California. Scientists studied more than 150 blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales for three years, taking photographs and small skin samples from the whales' hides -- where they found blisters from sun damage. "They need to come to the surface to breathe air, to socialize and to feed their young -- meaning that they are frequently exposed to the full force of the sun," the study's lead researcher, Laura Martinez-Levasseur of the University of London, told the BBC.

And without fur or other sun protection from Mother Nature, whales are more vulnerable to sunburn than other animals. "Humans can put on clothes or sunglasses -- whales can't," Martinez-Levasseur also told The Associated Press.

More than half of the whales tested had "sunburn cells" in their skin, revealing DNA evidence of UV damage, Australia's ABC News reported. Even more alarming was the pace at which blue whales seemed to be suffering from sunburn, with the number of blisters on that species increasingly dramatically in just three years.

via Study: Whales Get Sunburned as Ozone Layer Thins.

Melissa Bell  - Whales off the coast of California seem to be subject to the same dangers as tourists visiting the beaches: sunburn. Researchers at the Institute of Zoology in London have been observing whales for signs of sun damage, and have noticed a precipitous rise: The numbers affected rose by 56 percent between 2007 and 2009, which they said has "worrying" implications for their health. ..

via Washintgonpost

PSA: Skin cancer is on the increase (2008, 2010) . When in doubt, get it checked out.

Everyone should have a complete skin cancer exam at least once a year by a Board Certified Dermatologist or a Board Certified Dermatopathologist. ... All skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early. ...  Although most skin growths are not cancer, it's important to check with the doctor about new growths or changes in old growths. When growths become cancerous, they may change in size or color, or become sores that do not heal. - link