Are you putting yourself at risk for skin cancer?

Researchers found the use of handheld devices under the sun can increase exposure to UVA and UVB rays. The reflective properties of the devices may increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - For the study, a mannequin was placed outdoors wearing a UVA/B light meter. It was set up facing a standard musician's sheet stand where the researchers placed various mobile devices.

The study was conducted by Dr. Barrett J. Zlotoff and Mary E. Logue of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, in order to determine whether the use of these common electronic devices affect our health due to exposure, which they believe is often overlooked. 

"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," said Logue.

According to Yahoo! News, the researchers placed a magazine, an iPhone5, various iPad models, two Macbook laptops and a Kindle e-reader on the stand for two trials from 11am to noon. 

The first trial placed the devices 16.5 inches away from the UV sensor and the second trial kept them 12.25 inches away. Each device was angled specifically to mimic the natural pose of an adult looking at the screens.

The results of the first trial showed an open magazine increased UV exposure by 46 percent compared to the empty stand. The iPad2 increased exposure by 85 percent. UV exposure also increased by 75 percent facing the 11-inch Macbook, however the 2nd trial registered an increase of only 36 percent. 

Although the researchers suggested people should limit the usage of their mobile devices when outside, they acknowledged the impracticality. 

"We recommend covering the shoulders, wearing sunglasses and wearing sunscreen, especially on the exposed areas of the neck and face," they said.

Dr. Robert Dellavalle, chief of the Dermatology Service at the Denver VA Medical Center said that while the experiment could have been better executed, it still made a good point. 

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