The Nation - News from Feb. 12, 1988

Scientists said they have detected no increases so far in cancer-causing ultraviolet light reaching the United States between 1974 and 1985, despite declines in the ozone layer that blocks the light. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Temple University reported the surprising data, gathered at eight field stations nationwide, but one of them warned that the good news may be temporary or merely reflect short-term trends. Scientists have expected increases in ultraviolet light because of damage to the stratospheric ozone layer, long thought to be Earth’s only screen against the sun’s rays.