vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA430-F-99-026
September 1999
www.epa.gov/sunwse
Action Steps for
Sun Protection
While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous.
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can result in a painful
sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health effects, including skin cancer,
premature aging of the skin, and other skin disorders; cataracts and other eye
damage; and immune system suppression. Children are particularly at risk of
overexposure, since most of the average persons lifetime exposure occurs before
the age of 18.
Be SunWise
Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the
most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million
cases reported annually. By following a number of simple steps, you can still
enjoy your time in the sun while protecting yourself from overexposure.
In cooperation with a number of leading public health organizations, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing these action steps to help
you arid your family be "SunWise." Other than staying indoors, no single step
can fully protect from overexposure to UV radiation, so use as many of the fol-
lowing actions as possible.
loatii
Limit Time in the Midday Sun
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during
these hours.
Seek Shade
Staying under cover is one of the best ways to protect your-
self from the sun. Remember the shadow rule: "Watch Your
Shadow—No Shadow, Seek Shade!"
Always Use Sunscreen
A broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) of at least 15 blocks most UV radiation. Apply sun-
screen liberally on exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours
when working or playing outdoors. Even waterproof sun-
screen can come off when you towel off sweat or water.
Wear a Hat
A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for your
eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck—areas particular-
ly prone to overexposure to the sun.
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UV INDEX
Cover Up
Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing
is a good way to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.
Wear Sunglasses That Block 99 to 100 Percent of UV
Radiation
Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB
protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to
cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when
buying sunglasses.
Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Salons
The light source from sunbeds and sunlamps damages the
skin and unprotected eyes. It's a good idea to avoid artificial
sources of UV light.
Watch for the UV Index
The UV Index provides important information to help you
plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure
to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service
(NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected
cities across the United States.
Special Considerations for Children
Although many of the sun's effects do not appear until later in life, recent med-
ical research shows that it is very important to protect children and young adults
from overexposure to UV radiation. Because children tend to spend more time
in the sun than adults, be careful to keep young children protected from overex-
posure, and consult your physician about sun protection for children under
6 months of age.
EPA's SunWise School Program
In response to the serious public health threat posed by overexposure to UV
radiation, EPA is working with schools and communities across ^ l»/ /
the nation through the SunWise School Program. SunWise teach-
es children in elementary school and their caregivers how to pro-
tect themselves from overexposure to the sun. °0 .[ ^
For More Information
To learn more about UV radiation, the action steps for sun protection, and the
SunWise School Program, call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline
at 800 296-1996, or visit our Web site at .
The UV Index provides
numeric values and describes a
person's likelihood of exposure
to the sun's harmful rays.
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