Sunbathing `more dangerous in snow than on the beach`

London: Sun lovers have fresh heat to face because Japanese scientists have found that the ultraviolet rays are 2.5 times more dangerous in snow than on the beach. Boffins compared the levels of UV rays on freshly fallen snow on a cross country ski trail in Ishikawa Prefecture to an artificial sand beach in southern Japan`s tropical Okinawa Prefecture.

Academics at Kanazawa Medical University and pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson discovered that human eyes were more likely to be damaged by UV rays while skiing on the slopes in snow-covered areas compared to lazing on the beach, reports the Telegraph. Lead researcher Hiroshi Sasaki found that the reflection ratio of UV light on beaches was often between 10 to 25 per cent, compared to 80 per cent in new snow areas. The ophthalmology professor recommended the use of goggles in place sunglasses in snow-covered areas. The expert further warned about the conditions caused by damage from the rays including snow blindness, which can lead to inflammation, cataracts and clouded lenses. The study was supported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. ANI