A study conducted by Purdue University reveals that trees can provide protection against ultraviolet-B radiation across communities and as a result decrease risk for skin cancer.

Ultraviolet B radiation is the strongest and most dangerous solar radiation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are more than 1 million cases of skin cancer in the United States each year. Cases of skin cancer include basal, squamous or melanoma.

Kirkland tree service experts, who help communities and property owners care for their trees, provide a very beneficial service. Not only to the protect the health of our trees, they are protecting the health of communities as well. Trees clean the air we breathe, helps us feel more relaxed and at peace, and as this new research shows, can better shield our communities from the damaging rays of the sun.

Richard Grant, Purdue agronomy professor, reports that the model they created predicts how much UV-B radiation penetrates people’s skin under different amount of tree cover reveals that trees can shield up to 60 percent of the UV-B that people receive in direct sunlight.

Grant’s research team at Purdue used their model to determine the amount of protection from UV-B radiation provided by tees in surrounding residential suburban areas.

Seattle arborist expert, who were not involved in this study, comment on their website that trees provide an enormous value for our communities. Trees can raise property value by as much as 20 percent.

If these findings are taking into account, the protection from skin cancer that trees provide could translate into a very important health and economic advantage.

Protecting child from sun rays is most important, according to the American Cancer Society. Children are very susceptible to sunburn and skin damage. Any harm done to their skin at an early age cannot be reversed and greatly increases their risk for malignant melanoma skin cancer as an adult.