&EPA
UNITED STATES AIR AND RADIATION
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 6205J
AGENCY
EPA430-F-95-004
APRIL 1995
SUN
UV INDEX
PROTECTION
FOR CHILDREN
SUN EXPOSURE CAN BE DANGEROUS
Being outside on a warm, sunny day is one of life's great pleasures for children, but too much sun
can be dangerous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation not only causes painful sunburn,
but can lead to other serious health problems, including melanoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.
Even one or two blistering sunburns during childhood may double the risk of melanoma later in life.
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in the U.S., largely due to the increasing time
Americans spend in the sun, many experts believe. New melanoma cases in the U.S. have more than
doubled over the past two decades, with an estimated 6,900 American deaths from the disease in 1994.
In addition to melanoma, excessive UV exposure can lead to premature aging of the skin, cataracts,
non-melanoma skin cancers, and immune system suppression.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHILDREN
Although many of the sun's worst effects do not
appear until later in life, recent medical research has
shown that it is very important to protect children and
teenagers from overexposure to UV radiation. The
majority of most people's sun exposure occurs before
age 20, and studies increasingly suggest a link between
early exposure and skin cancer as an adult.
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HELPING CHILDREN BE SUN WISE
The following precautions can help ensure that the children around you avoid UV-related health
problems, both now and^ater in life. Started early and followed consistently, each of these steps
will become an easy, accepted habit, no more bothersome than fastening seatbelts every time you
drive the car. '
UJ
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 child's 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 UV radiation. Apply sunscreen liberally before your child goes out,
and reapply every two hours if your child has been perspiring or swimming.
Even waterproof sunscreens can come off when your child towels off sweat or
water. Children under six months of age should never have sunscreen applied
to their skin, but should be protected by avoiding too much time outdoors.
AVOID THE MIDDAY SUN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent
you can, limit your child's exposure to the sun during these hours.
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
thfe sun and indicates the degree of caution you should take when working,
playing, or exercising outdoors. The UV Index predicts exposure levels on a
0 ^ 10+ scale, where 0 indicates a minimal risk of overexposure, and 10+ means
a very high risk of overexposure. Calculated on a next-day basis for dozens of
cities across the U.S. by the National Weather Service, the UV Index takes into
account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation
reaching the ground in different parts of the country.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the UV Index and how to protect your child and yourself from overexposure
to the sun's UV rays, call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-1996. Hotline staff can supply
you with other fact sheets in this series, as well as other useful information.
UV INDEX
EXPOSURE
"CATEGORY
.UV INDEX
VAIUES
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