The school year is over and families are enjoying more time outdoors. It’s important to understand the dangers of sun exposure as well as the ins and outs of protecting children from the sun’s dangerous consequences.
The immediate effects of sunburn are uncomfortable, but overexposure to the sun’s UV rays over time is a more serious threat that has the potential to cause skin cancer, immune system suppression and eye damage. Because almost 25 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18, it is imperative that young people be educated on the sun’s harmful effects as well as those of tanning beds.
Skin cancer facts
- In some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancer.
- More than 1.2 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer.
- One blistering sunburn can double a child’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.
Sun safety tips
The Sun Safety Alliance encourages following these sun-safety tips year-round:
- You can sunburn even on a cloudy day so always take necessary precautions.
- Concrete, sand, water and snow reflect 85 to 90 percent of the sun’s UV rays.
- Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear clothing that is dark and tightly woven.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Keep very young children (six months or less) out of the sun.
- Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly on all exposed areas including neck, ears and lips.
- For people with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp as well.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you’re outdoors. To achieve adequate UV protection you should use products that provide broad spectrum protection, which means protection against both UVB and UVA rays. For broad spectrum protection, look for products that contain ingredients like Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or zinc oxide.
- For children, the Sun Safety Alliance recommends stronger sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply often, after swimming, perspiring and toweling off.
- And remember – stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Do not use tanning beds as they pose the same risk as the sun’s rays.
- There is no such thing as a safe tan.
Sources: www.sunsafetyalliance.org and www.cancer.org