Citation

Tabrah FL. Hawaii Med. J. 2010; 69(4): 93-98.

Affiliation

John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. fltabrah@phrihawaii.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Hawaii Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20481234

PMCID

PMC3111661

Abstract

Energy absorbtion from particles and photons moving at relativistic speeds has been a fundamental part of life on earth and wherever else life might exist. Heat and visible light have deeply influenced the course of human evolution, affecting habitat and nutrition. The photons of ionizing radiation that over time can possibly affect evolution, contribute to the more immediate problem of morbidity and mortality of cancer This review addresses our radiative energy absorbtion, from both natural and manmade sources, and its relationship with disease and death. Educational Public Health efforts to offset the dangers of solar ultraviolet overexposure are presented, together with data on the significant mortality of metastatic melanoma.

Language: en