Important Numbers

• One (1) – the number of blistering sunburns in childhood that will double the risk of developing some kind of skin cancer
• 15 minutes – how quickly unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays
• 15 SPF – the minimum sun protection factor that should be used
• One (1) in five (5) – people that will develop some type of skin cancer during their life
• 90% - of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun
• 65% - of melanoma cases are attributed to UV radiation
• 62,480 – the approximate number of melanomas that will be diagnosed in 2008 (approximately 8,500 will result in death)

Types of UV Radiation

• UVA accounts for up to 95% of solar UV radiation reaching Earth. UVA rays are less capable of causing sunburn but they are present during all daylight hours regardless of the time of year. UVA is the wavelength that causes the majority of premature aging as it penetrates the skin more deeply. Tanning beds can produce several times more UVA than the sun.
• UVB accounts for more sunburns because it is stronger than UVA, but it mainly affects only the outer layers of the skin. UVB rays are stronger during the summer months and during the middle of the day, usually 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, the closer a location is to the equator, the stronger the UVB rays.
• UVC is the strongest radiation but is absorbed by the ozone layer before reaching earth.

UV Index

Newspapers and weather stations publish a UV index number each day to advise the public of sun dangers. The higher the number the more dangerous exposure can be.

• 0 – 3.9 is considered low. Protection is recommended if you are planning to be in the sun for more than one (1) hour, especially over fresh snow.
• 4.0 – 6.9 is considered medium. Time outside during the middle of the day should be limited and activities should be in the shade if possible. Sun protection should be used for the skin and eyes.
• 7.0 – 8.9 is considered high. Skin will burn and damage quickly. Time outside should be reduced. Sun protection or avoidance should be practiced.
• 9.0 and up is considered extreme. Skin will burn and damage quickly. Time outside should be reduced. Sun protection or avoidance should be practiced.

Sun Protection

• Sun lotions, creams, and oils should be broad-spectrum (providing protection from both UVA and UVB rays) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, They should be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure, evenly and liberally, and reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming. Always apply sun protection to children’s skin for them, and do not expose infants up to 6 months of age to the sun if it can be helped. Make sure not to forget the ears, back of the neck, lips, and bald spots. People with sensitive skin or skin allergies should test products on a small area before applying to the entire body.
• Clothing to wear for sun protection should be darker colors with a tight weave. If clothing gets wet or stretched the protection it provides is decreased. There are several brands of clothing made specifically for sun protection which were treated with a chemical sunblock when manufactured. Sun Guard is a laundry additive that will increase the sun protection of clothing. It can be used at home and lasts through 20 washings.
• Wear a hat with a 4 inch brim. An alternative is to place a bandana or handkerchief under a ball cap to provide shade to the ears and neck.
• Eyewear should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. When buying new sunglasses, make sure you read the tag. Cataracts can result from sun damage to the eyes.

Other Important Information

• A person with naturally darker skin is less likely to burn; however, skin damage still occurs with sun exposure. Skin cancers are often more advanced when diagnosed on people with darker skin.
• If you have many moles or freckles you should do a monthly skin check and see a dermatologist annually for a professional skin examination.
• Certain diseases (such as lupus) and medications (such as antibiotics and antihistamines) can increase the sensitivity to the sun.
• Sun exposure over an average life span is 22.73% by age 18, 46.53% by age 40, 73.7% by age 60, and 100% by age 79.

When parents and grandparents demonstrate proper sun caution and protection, hopefully the younger generations will follow the example and we will begin to see a decrease in the effects of overexposure to the sun and the number of skin cancers it causes.

Resources: United States Department of Agriculture – Food Safety Inspection Service