About one out of every 17,000 people suffer from albinism.
About 18,000 people in the United States are afflicted by Albinism.
Most sufferers have normal parents, and no family history of albinism.
60-80% of the ultraviolet rays hitting earth get through on a lightly cloudy day. Caution is still secessary even when the weather is not sunny.
Well over 90% of UV rays penetrate clear water.
Clothing can help decrease UV exposure, but if the clothes are wet, they may not be as effective. Light colored or lightly woven cloth is less effective then dark colors and thick cloth. Specially designed tee shirts, such as Frogskin brand are designed to stop UV radiation.
Albinism does not cause any mental or medical problems except for increased suceptability to skin cancer, which is usually mild and curable.
Proximity to the equator and altitude effect UV intensity. Every 1000 foot increase in altitude increases UV exposure by about 4%.
Sand and snow reflect 25% and 80% of UV light respectively. Care should be taken when around either of these things, even when in the shade.
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