Sun Protection: Be Sun Wise

Sun Protection | Sun Dangers | The UV Index | UV Radiation
The Sun & Skin Cancer | Skin Self-Exam | Sun Protection Poster (pdf)

Being outside on a warm, sunny day is one of life's greatest pleasures, but getting too much sun can be dangerous. The following precautions can help ensure that you avoid UV-related health problems, both now and later in life.

Wear Sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV radiation. Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses. Wear a Hat. A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of the neck-areas particularly prone to overexposure. Protect other areas with clothing during prolonged periods in the sun. Tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothes are best, but any clothing is better than none at all. Always use sunscreen when outside on a sunny day. A sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks most harmful radiation. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours when working, playing or exercising outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreens can come off when you towel off sweat or water. Avoid the midday sun as much as possible. The sun's UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent that you can, limit your exposure to the sun during these hours. Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors. Sun beds damage the skin and unprotected eyes and are best avoided entirely. Watch for the UV Index. The UV Index developed by the National Weather service and the Environmental Protection Agency, provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun and indicates the degree of caution you should take when working, playing, or exercising outdoors.

To learn more about the UV Index and how to protect your child and yourself from overexposure to the sun's rays, click here. You can also call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-1996. Hotline staff can supply you with fact sheets and other useful information. For more information visit the CDC’s "Choose Your Cover" campaign at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/chooseyourcover/qanda.htm.

Resource: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SunWise Program, http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/index.html

Sun Protection | Sun Dangers | The UV Index | UV Radiation
The Sun & Skin Cancer | Skin Self-Exam | Sun Protection Poster (pdf)