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About
UV radiation from the sun can seri-
ously threaten human health.
The most obvious result of too
much sun is sunburn, which
involves skin redness and sometimes
tenderness, swelling, blistering,
fever, and nausea. Although some
skin types prevent individuals from
burning, everyone is at risk for
other UV-related health effects.
In the long run, too much expo-
sure to the sun can change your
skin's texture, giving it a tough,
leathery appearance. The sun also
can cause discolorations in skin
tone including red, yellow, gray, or
brown spots.
Over time, exposure to the sun
and severe sunburns can lead to
skin cancer. The most common
places for skin cancer to develop are
on those body parts exposed to the
sun such as the face, neck, ears,
forearms, and hands.
The three main types of skin
cancer are basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma, and
malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinomas are tumors
that usually appear as small,
fleshy bumps or nodules.
Squamous cell carcinomas
appear as nodules or as red, scaly
patches.
Malignant melanomas may
appear without warning as a
dark mole or other dark spot in
the skin.
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r.
All three types can be curable if
you detect them in their early
stages. To help recognize potential
problems, conduct periodic self-
examinations and watch for growths
that meet one of the 'ABCDs1 of
melanoma:
One half of the
growth doesn't match the other half,
; - - The edges of
the growth are ragged, notched, or
blurred.
The pigmentation of the
growth is not uniform. Shades of
tan, brown, and black are present.
Dashes of red, white, and blue also
may appear,
i .... Any growth greater than
6 millimeters (about the size of a
pencil eraser) is cause for concern.
If you notice any changes in the
appearance of moles or freckles,
contact a dermatologist.
No matter what your skin type or
susceptibility to burns, sun exposure
can damage your immune system
and make your body more vulnerable
to infections and cancers. Diseases,
such as herpes simplex (cold sores),
chicken pox, and lupus, can become
worse with sun exposure.
The American Academy of
Ophthalmology has cautioned that
excess exposure to UV radiation can
cause a painful burn of the cornea.
Chronic eye exposure to UV radia-
tion may increase the incidence of
cataract,' which is a clouding of the
eye lens; 'pterygium,' in which a
fleshy membrane covers the eye;
and possibly 'macular degeneration,'
or the development of spots that
could result in blindness.
Some people may develop
bumps, hives, blisters, or red
blotchy areas as an allergic reaction
to sun exposure. Certain drugs, per-
fumes, and cosmetics also can make
some people sensitive to the sun.
UVA vs. UVB
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You can use the following general
messages to help educate your view-
ers about how they can avoid over-
exposure to the sun on any day. The
remainder of the booklet contains
messages that apply directly to each
UV Index level.
: to the sun
during the hours when exposure
could be most damaging,
i 0 a.m. to 4 P.SH; Typically,
exposure at 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. is
only one-third that at midday.
Try getting outdoor activities
accomplished during minimum
exposure hours. Remember,
however, you can still get a sun-
burn even in the mid-afternoon.
to
long-term sun damage, includ-
ing the time spent walking the
dog, window shopping, per-
forming outdoor chores, or jog-
ging at lunch. Even on overcast
days, 30 to 60 percent of the
sun's rays can penetrate to the
Earth's surface.
and other protective
clothing, as well as sunglasses,
to protect your body from too
much sun.
-... . which are those that
contain active ingredients that
absorb at least 85 percent of the
UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
Read labels carefully and choose
a broad spectrum sunscreen
with a Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) of at least 15, which fil-
ters out both UVA and UVB
radiation.
r to all
exposed skin, about 20 minutes
before exposure, especially to
easily overlooked areas like the
rims of the ears, the back of the
neck, and the tops of the feet.
For an average adult, the recom-
mended dose is 1 ounce, or one
quarter of a 4-ounce bottle, per
application. Reapply every 2
hours, after being in the water,
or after exercising and sweating.
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Using
UV
Snow and water can reflect the sun's
rays. Skiers and swimmers should take spe-
cial care. Wear sunglasses or goggles, and
apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Remember to protect areas that could be
exposed to UV rays by the sun's reflection,
including under the chin and nose.
Minimal
A UV Index reading of 0 to 2 means
minimal danger from the sun's UV rays
for the average person:
Most people can stay in the sun for
up to 1 hour during the hours of peak
sun strength, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with-
out burning.
People with very sensitive skin and
infants should always be protected
from prolonged sun exposure.
The UV Index can help the public be
aware of the level of UV radiation expo-
sure expected on a given day. As a result,
people can use simple sun protective
behaviors to reduce their lifetime risk of
developing skin cancer and other sun-
related illnesses. "SSCTiat follows is a
description of each UV Index level and
tips you can give to help people prepare.
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A UV Index reading of 3 to 4 means
low risk of harm from unprotected sun
exposure. Fair-skinned people, however,
might burn in less than 20 minutes:
Wear a hat with a wide brim and
sunglasses to protect your eyes.
' Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at
least 15 and wear long-sleeved shirts
and long pants when outdoors.
An easy way to tell how much UV
exposure you are getting is to look for
your shadow:
If your shadow is taller than you are
(in the early morning and late after-
noon), your UV exposure is likely to
be low.
If your shadow is shorter than you are
(around midday), you are being
exposed to high levels of UV radia-
tion. Seek shade and protect your skin
and eyes.
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Moderate
A UV Index reading of 5 to 6 means
moderate risk of harm from unprotected
sun exposure. Fair-skinned people might
burn in less than 15 minutes. Apply a
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to
protect your eyes:
Use sunscreen if you work outdoors
and remember to protect sensitive
areas like the nose and the rims of the
ears. Sunscreen prevents sunburn and
some of the sun's damaging effects on
the immune system.
Use a lip balm or lip cream contain-
ing a sunscreen. Lip balms can help
protect some people from getting cold
sores.
in
Wearing sunglasses protects the lids of
your eyes as well as the lens.
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" - V
A UV Index reading of 7 to 9 means
high risk of harm from unprotected sun
exposure, Fair-skinned people might
burn in Jess than 10 minutes, Minimize
sun exposure during midday hours, from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect yourself by lib-
erally applying a sunscreen with an SPF
of at least 15. Wear protective clothing
and sunglasses to protect the eyes:
When outside, seek shade. Don't for-
get that water, sand, pavement, and
grass reflect UV rays even under a
tree, near a building, or beneath a
shady umbrella.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers
made from tightly woven fabrics. UV
rays can pass through the holes and
spaces of loosely knit fabrics.
Be careful during routine outdoor
activities such as gardening or playing
sports. Remember that UV exposure is
especially strong if you are working or
playing between the peak hours
of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don't ;"'
forget that spectators, as well
as participants, need to wear
sunscreen and eye protection to
avoid too much sun.
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Very High
A UV Index reading of 10+ means
very high risk of harm from unprotected
sun exposure. Fair-skinned people might
burn in less than 5 minutes. Outdoor
workers are especially at risk as are vaca-
tioners who can receive very intense sun
exposure. Minimize sun exposure during
midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least
15 liberally every 2 hours:
Avoid being in the sun as much as
possible.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100
percent of all UV rays (both UVA and
UVB). Some reduction in blue light
also might be beneficial but colors
should not be severely distorted.
Wear a cap or hat with a wide brim,
which will block roughly 50 percent
of UV radiation from reaching the
eyes. Wearing sunglasses as well can
block the remainder of UV rays.
If possible, stay indoors on days when
the UV Index is very high. Take the
opportunity to relax with a good book
rather than risk dangerous levels of sun
exposure. Try not to pursue outdoor
activities, whether at work or at play,
unless protected with sunscreen, hat, and
sunglasses.
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