v>EPA
    United States
    Environmental Protection
    Agency
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA 430-F-10-028
June 2010
www.epa.gov/sunwise
                    Action  Steps  for
                    Sun  Protection

                     While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous.
                     Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can result in a painful
                     sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health problems, including skin cancer,
                     premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system
                     suppression. Children are particularly at risk. This fact sheet explains simple steps
                     to protect yourself and your children from overexposure to UV radiation.

                     Be Sun Wise
                     Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the most
                     common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million cases are
                     reported annually. By following some simple steps, you can still enjoy your time in
                     the sun and protect yourself from overexposure. The U.S. Environmental
                     Protection Agency (EPA) recommends these action steps to help you and your
                     family be "SunWise."
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                               Do Not Burn
                               Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin
                               cancer, especially for children.
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                               Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
                               UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and
                               wrinkling.
                               Generously Apply Sunscreen
                               Generously apply sunscreen: about one ounce to cover all exposed skin
                               20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun
                               Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide protection from both
                               ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two
                               hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

                               Wear Protective Clothing
                               Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide|
                               brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

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            Seek Shade
            Seek shade when possible and remember that the sun's UV rays are strongest between
            10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

            Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
            Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance
            of sunburn.

            Check the UV Index
            The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in
            ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National
            Weather Service and EPA. Visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.

            Get Vitamin D Safely
            Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified
            with Vitamin D.  Don't seek the sun.

           Early detection of skin cancer can save your life. A new or changing mole should
                                be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Special Considerations
for Children
Recent medical research shows that
it is important to protect children
and young adults from overexposure
to UV radiation. For babies under 6
months, the American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends
(1) avoiding sun exposure, and
(2) dressing infants in lightweight
long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and
brimmed hats. Parents can also
apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) to small
areas like the face and back of the
hands if protective clothing and
shade are not available.

EPA's Sun Wise Program
In response to the serious public
health threat posed by overexposure
to UV radiation, EPA is working
with schools and communities
across the nation through the
SunWise Program.  SunWise is an
environmental and health education
program that teaches children how
to protect themselves from
overexposure to the sun.
   UV  Index
       Exposure Category
UVI Range
     The UV Index forecasts the strength of the sun's harmful rays.
     The higher the number, the greater the chance of sun damage.
             Visitwww.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.hrml.
For More Information
To learn more about UV radiation, the action steps for sun
protection, and the SunWise Program, call EPA's Stratospheric
Ozone Information Hotline at 800.296.1996, or visit our Web site
at www.epa.gov/sunwise.

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