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Sun Safety
The following information and resources can help you and your family
learn how to enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safe habits.
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Contents:
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About Sun Safety
The amount of exposure you get from ultraviolet (UV) radiation depends
on several factors:
- Time of Day: Maximum exposure to UV radiation occurs between
10 am and 4 pm.
- Season: Intensity of UV radiation is much greater during
the summer months.
- Altitude: UV radiation increases by 4% per 1000 feet elevation.
For example, there is 20% more UV radiation at 5000 feet (most ski
resorts) than at sea level.
- Cloud Cover: A thin cloud cover reduces UV radiation by
only 20-40%.
- Reflection: Reflected UV radiation is just as damaging
as direct UV radiation.
- Sand/concrete reflects 25% of UV radiation.
- Water reflects up to 100% of UV radiation.
- Snow reflects 85% of UV radiation.
- Protection: It is the best way to reduce your risk of skin
cancer and photoaging.
- Sunscreen
- At least 15 SPF
- Applied 20 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapplied as needed, especially while swimming or sweating
- Hat
- A 4-inch brimmed hat reduces sun exposure by 70% to your
head, neck, and face
- Sunglasses
- Select sunglasses and eyewear that block 99% to 100% of
UVA and UVB radiation
- Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult
sunglasses - not toy sunglasses
- Clothing
- A white, dry cotton shirt provides an SPF of about 8
- The SPF increases if the fabric is dyed or is thicker
- Wet clothing allows about 50% transmission of UV radiation
- Sun Exposure
- Limit your time in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when
the UV rays are strongest
- UVA vs. UVB Radiation:
- UVA rays have longer wavelengths and are recognized as a deep-penetrating
radiation. Long-term exposure can damage the skin's connective
tissues, leading to premature aging and playing a role in the
development of skin cancer. This type of ray is used in tanning
salons. UVA rays pass through window glass.
- UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are primarily responsible
for sunburn (think B=burning rays) and skin cancer. UVB rays
are blocked by window glass.
Take Cover: A Sunscreen Primer
Use the following information as a guide to help you make a quick
and affordable choice for the right sunscreen for you.
- Choosing an SPF
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, refers to a sunscreen's ability to
protect against the burning effects of UVB radiation. The higher
the SPF, the longer you can be in the sun before you burn. Hence,
if you normally burn after 10 minutes, a sunscreen of SPF 15 will
allow you to remain in the sun 15 times longer before burning, or
150 minutes. It is important to know that special conditions such
as high altitude, tropical climates and reflective surfaces such
as water, sand and snow may substantially decrease this time. For
routine, daily protection, a sunscreen with SPF 15 is adequate.
You may want to use a higher SPF if you are very sun-sensitive or
are taking a drug that makes you burn more readily, such as tetracycline,
a sulfonamide or a thiazide diuretic. Children need an SPF value
of 30 to 45, since they spend more of their time in the sun. It
is estimated that 80% of one's lifetime sun exposure occurs in childhood.
- "Broad Spectrum" Sunscreens
While UVB is responsible for the burning effects from the sun, both
UVB and UVA radiation can cause skin cancer. Furthermore, UVA rays
penetrate more deeply into the skin and are responsible for prematurely
wrinkled, aged skin, and photosensitivity. Most products with SPF
15 or higher, and those labeled "broad spectrum," help protect against
both UVA and UVB radiation. Sunblocks, which contain zinc oxide,
titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (methoydibenzoylmethane, also called
avobenzone) reflect sunlight and also protect against both UVA and
UVB rays. UVA-protective sunscreens or sun blocks are particularly
important if you are in the sun for long periods of time on a daily
basis, or are using a photosensitizing medication.
- "Water-Resistant" or "Waterproof" Sunscreens
Water is not a barrier to the sun's rays. As much as 60-80% of UV
radiation is transmitted through the first 12 inches of water in
a pool. Currently, the law requires products labeled waterproof
need only remain on water-immersed skin for 80 minutes, while water-resistant
products need to be reapplied after as little as 40 minutes. There
are some products on the market that live up to their claim of all-day
protection in water, but for most waterproof products, it is best
to reapply them every 90 minutes if you are swimming or sweating.
Reapplying sunscreen will only restore, not extend, its protection.
- How To Use Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that, regardless of
skin type, a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 should be used year-round.
Apply sunscreen generously and evenly, at least 30 minutes before
going into the sun. Don't forget areas that are under sheer clothing
or clothing that will be getting wet, since these conditions allow
damaging rays to penetrate to the skin underneath. Sunscreen can
be applied under make-up or over other medicated skin products.
Avoid use of products containing Para Amino Benzoic Acid -derivatives
(PABA) and discontinue use of your sunscreen if it causes redness,
itching or rash; ask your pharmacist to recommend another product.
Sunglasses - For Your Eyes Only
Besides being fashionable, sunglasses serve a true function - protecting
your eyes from harmful rays produced by the sun. It is as important
to provide sun protection for your eyes as it is for your skin. UVB
rays burn the skin and can also damage the eyes. Some research suggests
that daily exposure to UVB rays over a period of many years may cause
cataracts, which is a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye. UVA
rays are primarily absorbed within the lens of the eye.
To best protect your eyes, look for sunglasses that provide at least
98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some of the higher-priced
sunglasses made with polycarbonate, glass, or plastic (CR-39) lenses
can claim to block 100% of the UV rays. UV protection is transparent
and completely independent of both color and color density of the
lens. In other words, a darker sunglass lens does not mean more UV
protection. Look for sunglasses that are labeled "UV 400," "100% UV
protection," or "meets ANSI UV Requirements" (American National Standards
Institute).
Related Services at Tang Center
For Students:
- Advice Nurse: (510) 643-7197
- Appointments: (510) 642-2000
- Self Care Resource Center: (510) 642-7202
For Faculty and Staff:
-
Please refer questions to your health plan or
primary care provider.
Additional Online Resources
Sun Safety Information
- American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest, most influential
and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of over 13,700, it represents virtually all practicing
dermatologists in the United States. This website provides up-to-date
patient education about UV protection at any age.
- The Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.skincancer.org/
This site provides up-to-date patient information about sun safety,
as well as information about prevention, diagnoses, and treatment
of skin cancer.
- kidshealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.html
Comprehensive website for parents on how to protect your children
from the damaging effects of the sun, yet still enjoy the outdoors
and activities of summer.
- American Academy of Opthalmology
http://www.aao.org/
This website offers information on the ocular effects of UV exposure
as well as important facts and tips on finding the right pair of
sunglasses for optimum protection.
- UV Weather Index
http://www.accuweather.com/maps-health.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=&type=uvi
This website shows the daily UV index. The UV Index is a forecast
of the amount of ultraviolet expected to reach the Earth's surface
when the sun is highest in the sky.
Sun Protective Clothing
Related Topics
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose,
treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease.
It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists
between an individual and his/her clinician.
Last reviewed: April 2005
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