NEW YORK: For years, experts have warned that spending too much time in the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Now, they claim that the exposure may not be always bad as it may protect people from lung cancer.

A team of researchers in the United States has carried out a study and found that after smoking, lack of sunlight may actually increase the risk of developing lung cancer, the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health' reported on Tuesday.

"Lower levels of UVB (medium wave ultraviolet) are associated with higher levels of lung cancer," according to lead researcher Dr Cedric Garland of University of California.

In fact, the researchers came to the conclusion after looking at the association between latitude, exposure to UVB light and rates of lung cancer according to age in over 100 countries across several continents.

The team used World Health Organisation (WHO) data and national health statistics of America.

Smoking accounted for between 75 per cent and 85 per cent of lung cancer cases although exposure to sunlight and UVB light, the principal source of Vitamin D for the body, also had an impact, according to their findings.

Lung cancer rates were found to be lowest in countries closest to the equator - where exposure to UVB light is greater - and higher in those further away. Airborne aerosol levels were also found to be related to higher rates of the disease in the study.