Fun in the sun will be on everyone’s list of things to do during the spring and summer months, but these are not the only times you should practice protective measures. Keeping yourself and others protected from UV radiation is an important, year-round responsibility.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While it has some benefits for people, including the creation of Vitamin D, it also can cause health risks. For example, UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases, if eye protection is not used.
Additionally, overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Anyone can get skin cancer, but is more common in people who:
• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned.
• Have light-colored skin, hair, and eyes.
• Have a family member with skin cancer.
• Are over age 50.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from UV radiation:
• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
• Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
• Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB protection.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
This information is provided courtesy of Centers for Disease Control. Visit CDC’s Radiation and Your Health website, www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation, for more information.