SUN SAFETY

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SUN SAFETY

• Protecting Yourself from UV Radiation

Oklahoma State University
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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• What is Ultraviolet Radiation?

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• The sun is the energy source that sustains all
  life on earth.
• Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is simply one form of
  energy coming from the sun.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• Sunlight contains 3 types of UV rays

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

1. UVAcauses skin aging wrinkles. Used in
   tanning beds. Colors skin and gives false sense
   of protection from the sun. UVA rays pass
   effortlessly through the ozone layer.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

1. UVBcauses sunburns, cataracts, immune system
   damage, skin cancer. Melanoma may be associated
   with severe UVB sunburns occurring before the age
   of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone
   layer.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

1. UVCthese rays are the most dangerous.
   Fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone
   layer and dont reach the earth.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays
  travel through the clouds and reflect off sand,
  water, snow, and even concrete.
• Clouds and pollution dont filter out UV rays,
  and can give a false sense of protection.
• This invisible sun can cause unexpected sunburn
  and skin damage.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• The suns light is strongest when it is highest
  in the sky (normally from 10 AM to 4 PM).
• UV rays are strongest during the summer.
• UV intensity is greater at high altitudes.
  Skiers need to take extra care.

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Ultraviolet Radiation - UV

• The UV Index predicts the next days UV levels
  on a 0-10 scale.
• Developed by the National Weather Service and
  the EPA.

UV Index Number Exposure Level Minutes to Burn
0 to 2 Minimal 60
3 to 4 Low 45
5 to 6 Moderate 30
7 to 9 High 15
10 Very high 10
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Effects of UV Exposure

• Sunburn

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Sunburn

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Sunburn develops when the amount of UV exposure
  is greater than the protection your skins
  melanin can provide.
• The lighter your skin, the less melanin it has to
  absorb UV and protect itself.
• All skin, no matter the color, thickens and
  hardens with continued sun exposure, resulting in
  wrinkles later in life.

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Eye Damage

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Spending long hours in the sun with no eye
  protection may increase your chance of developing
  cataracts.
• Even low amounts of sunlight can increase the
  risk of eye disorders.
• UVB damage to the eyes is cumulative, so it is
  never too late to start protecting your eyes.

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Skin Damage

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Effects of UV Exposure

• There are about 1.3 million new cases of skin
  cancer in the U.S. each year, resulting in about
  9,800 deaths.
• Melanoma is one type of skin cancer. It is the
  most common cancer among women between the ages
  of 25 and 29.

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Skin cancer is the most common of cancers and is
  largely preventable.
• Increased outdoor leisure time, less clothing
  worn outdoors, and decreased ozone levels are
  partly to blame.

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Compare the underside of your arm to the topside
  of your arm to see the effect of sun exposure on
  your skin.
• Sun damage causes wrinkles, easy bruising,
  brown liver spots, and potentially, skin
  cancer.

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Effects of UV Exposure

• Scientists believe sunburns can alter the bodys
  immune system for up to 24 hours after exposure
  to the sun.
• Repeated overexposure to UV radiation can cause
  more damage to the bodys immune system, even in
  people with dark skin.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Eye Protection

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Guidelines for Protection

• Sunglasses offer excellent protection.
• Make sure the lenses are designed to block out
  95 of UV.
• Polarizing lenses and mirror finishes reduce
  glare, but have little effect in blocking the
  absorption of UV rays.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Tanning Protection

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Guidelines for Protection

• Sunscreen doesnt offer 100 protection.
• SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 96 of UV SPF 15
  blocks out 93.
• In addition to sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses,
  more clothing, and seek shade.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Using SPF 30 instead of SPF 15 does not mean
  you can safely double your time in the sun.
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
  Dont rub it ina light film should stay visible.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are
  swimming or sweating a lot.
• Fragrances and moisturizers in sunscreen may
  cause allergic reaction experiment with other
  brands if this is a problem.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Protective Clothing

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Guidelines for Protection

• Choose clothes that cover your arms, legs and
  neck to ensure proper protection.
• You wont get too hot or uncomfortable in
  lightweight fabrics like cotton, hemp or linen.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Most cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics protect
  against 95 of UV, but are less effective if wet,
  faded, or aged.
• Dark colors are better at absorbing UV than light
  colors.
• If you choose to wear light colors, make sure the
  fabric is a tight weave, such as canvas.

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Guidelines for Protection

• Appropriately designed clothing is great for
  protecting you from the sun.

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Sun Safety