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Everyone
seems to enjoy the glow of a deep suntan, but until relatively recently,
the price paid for that golden color was unknown. According to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the statistics for those who
spend much of their lives under the sun is alarming:
- Malignant
melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer), has risen in
occurrence 1,800 percent since 1930.
- One
of every five Americans will develop skin cancer.
-
Every hour, one American dies of skin cancer.
- By
the age of 18, people have accumulated 80 percent of their lifetime
exposure to the sun.
Other
health concerns caused by too much sun include:
- Sunburn
- Premature
aging of the skin including wrinkling, changes in skin texture,
and discoloration.
- Sensitivity
to the sun leading to blisters, hives or reddened, blotchy areas
indicative of an allergic response.
- Suppression
of the immune system leading to increased risk of developing cancers
and infections.
- Diseases
such as chicken pox, herpes simplex, and lupus can be worsened
by exposure.
Five
years ago, the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental
Agency introduced the UV Index to daily weather forecasts to advise
the public of their level of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
the following day. The Index lists the predicted level on a scale
of 0 to 10+, with suggested precautions for each level.
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General
Safety Tips
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-
30 to 60% of the sun's rays can penetrate overcast skies,
so precautions are necessary even on cloudy days.
- Snow,
water, and sand will reflect the UV rays, increasing exposure.
Adjust precautions accordingly.
- UV
exposure is affected by altitude. The UV Index accounts
for altitude and cloud cover.
- Be
certain that sunscreen is rated SPF 15 or greater, and re-apply
every 2 hours on days with a high UV Index. It is also necessary
to re-apply after swimming or perspiring. Sunscreen should
be applied about 20 minutes before exposure to the sun.
- Sunglasses
should block 99-100% of all UV rays. As there are no uniform
rules for labeling sunglasses, be certain that the protection
they offer is adequate. Labels that read "block harmful
UV" may not give enough protection.
- Children
are especially at risk for skin damage due to sun exposure,
as their skin is sensitive and the effects of sun damage
are cumulative over the course of a lifetime. Bad burns
in childhood contribute to a greater chance of skin cancer
in later years.
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USING
THE INDEX
The
Index is not meant for people with very sun-sensitive skin, or those
who have medical conditions or are taking medications that increase
their sensitivity to the sun.
For the average person, the Index should be used as follows:
0
to 2; Minimal risk
- Most
people can remain in the sun for 1 hour during the hours when
the sun is strongest, without burning.
- These
peak hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Infants
and others with very sensitive skin should always be protected
from extended sun exposure.
3
to 4; Low risk
-
A low risk of danger from unprotected sun exposure.
- People
with fair skin may receive sunburn in less than 20 minutes if
unprotected.
- A
wide-brimmed hat should be worn to protect the eyes.
- A
sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or greater should be used on exposed
surfaces such as face, ears, feet, and the back of the neck.
- Long
sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn outdoors.
5
to 6;
Moderate risk
- People
with fair skin may burn in less than 15 minutes if unprotected.
- Sunscreen
and hat use as mentioned above.
- Wear
sunglasses to protect your eyelids as well as your eyes.
- Use
a lip balm or lip cream containing a sunscreen.
7
to 9; High
risk
- Fair
skinned people may burn in as little as 10 minutes if unprotected.
- Sunscreen,
hat and sunglasses use as mentioned above.
- If
outside, wear clothing made from tightly woven fabric, as UV rays
will pass through holes and loosely woven fabrics.
10+;
Very high risk
- Fair
skinned people may burn in as little as 5 minutes if unprotected.
- Apply
sunscreen every 2 hours. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses use as
mentioned above.
- Stay
inside if possible during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Using
the UV Index and following the suggested precautions can mean fun
in the sun without concern about painful, as well as dangerous skin
damage.
Copyright
© 1999 PersonalMD.com. All rights reserved.
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