“ Don’ t Let the Cold Burn You!” Tania Prima Auladina, Verrell Christopher Amadeus, Kriswahyu Yudo Wirawan AMSA-Universitas Gadjah Mada
Technology advancement has brought many changes to our lives. The rapid pace of development and industrialization becomes something that is inevitable. Besides contributing to global warming, it also affects the culture and lifestyle of humans.
With the increasingly high demands of human comfort, increasing number of air conditioned buildings and factory is the fact that we are facing now. However, the uncontrolled use of air conditioner is actually exacerbating the state of the global climate.
Air conditioner uses material named chlorofluorocarbon or CFC. This substance can disrupt the nature balance because its accumulation in the atmosphere can cause ozone depletion. In fact, ozone is the main protector for the Earth from excessive exposure of UV light. Ozone depletion increases the risk of getting skin cancers, one of which is melanoma.
Skin cancer is abnormal growth of skin cells. The cause and malignancy of skin cancer may vary. Skin cancer most commonly occurs on squamous cell, basal cell, and melanocyte.
The exact cause of all skin cancer isn ' t clear, but exposure to ultraviolet( UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma.
The greater the exposure of UV light, the greater the risk of getting skin cancer. In Jakarta, Department of Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic of dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital reported 261 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 69 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, and 22 cases of melanoma during 2000- 2009. In contrast to previous data, Dharmais Cancer Hospital recorded that the most commonly occurred non melanoma skin cancer was squamous cell carcinoma followed by basal skin carcinoma and melanoma during 2005-2007.
Surely, we do not want it getting worse. So, the wisest solution we can do is to pay a great attention to the use of air conditioning. Immediately turn off the air conditioner when it is not needed or when we leave the house or room. Unwise usage of air conditioning can lead to harmful effects for ourselves. Don’ t let the cold burn you!