Risks of Sun Exposure

I read with interest and some dismay the article “Step Out of the Shade for a Healthy Dose of Vitamin D” (July 8). While the single definitive beneficial effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin is the production of vitamin D, we needn’t promote tanning or unprotected sun exposure. Most of us receive adequate sun exposure even with sunscreen use to synthesize vitamin D or have enough in our diet to meet the normal daily requirement.

On the other hand, the risk of overexposure to ultraviolet light has definite risks, most notably skin cancer. We shouldn’t encourage people to “step out of the shade” when the greater risk is skin cancer.

DR. ANDREW J. KAUFMAN

Assistant clinical professor, UCLA