SunWisdom SUNWISDOM SW SUNWISDOM

Action Steps for Sun Protection

While some exposure to sunlight indoors, no single step can fully Seek Shade can be enjoyable, too much can be protect you from overexposure to Seek shade when appropriate, remem- dangerous. Overexposure to ultraviolet UV radiation, so use as many of the bering that the sun’s UV rays are (UV) radiation in sunlight can result following actions as possible. strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in a painful sunburn. It can also lead Do Not Burn Use Extra Caution Near Water, to more serious health effects, includ- Overexposure to the sun is the most Snow, and Sand ing skin cancer, premature aging of preventable risk factor for skin cancer. the skin, and other skin problems; Water, snow, and sand reflect the cataracts and other eye damage; Avoid Sun Tanning and damaging rays of the sun, which can and immune system suppression. Tanning Beds increase your chance of sunburn. Children particularly need sun pro- UV rays from tanning beds and the Check the UV Index tection education, since unprotected sun cause skin cancer and wrinkling. The UV Index provides important exposure to the sun during youth puts If you want to look like you’ve been in information to help you plan your them at an increased lifetime risk for the sun, consider using a sunless self- outdoor activities in ways that skin cancer. tanning product, but continue to use prevent overexposure to the sun’s Be SunWise sunscreen with it. rays. Developed by the National Weather Service and EPA, the UV Most people are not aware that skin Generously Apply Sunscreen Index is issued daily nationwide. cancer, while largely preventable, is Generously apply sunscreen to all the most common form of cancer in exposed skin using a Sun Protection Get Vitamin D Safely the United States, with more than Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that Get Vitamin D safely through a diet 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year. provides broad-spectrum protection that includes vitamin supplements By following a number of simple from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and and foods fortified with Vitamin D. steps, you can still enjoy your time ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply Don’t seek the sun. in the sun while protecting yourself every two hours, even on cloudy days, Early detection of melanoma can from overexposure. In cooperation and after swimming or sweating. save your life. Carefully examine all with a number of leading public Wear Protective Clothing of your skin once a month. A new or health organizations, the U.S. Wear protective clothing, such as changing spot should be evaluated. Environmental Protection Agency a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide- (EPA) is providing these action brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when steps to help you and your family possible. be “SunWise.” Other than staying 1 SW SUNWISDOM

Use as Directed: Getting the Most Out of Sunscreen

The U.S. Food and Drug UVA protection. Passing the broad sunscreen product. All sunscreens Administration (FDA) is the federal spectrum test shows that the product must be tested according to an SPF agency responsible for regulating provides UVA protection that is test procedure. The test measures the sunscreens. Effective June 18, proportional to its UVB protection. amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation 2012, FDA issued final regulations exposure it takes to cause sunburn Sunscreen products that pass the that established a standard test for when a person is using a sunscreen in broad spectrum test are allowed to be over-the-counter (sold without a comparison to how much UV exposure labeled as “Broad Spectrum.” These prescription) sunscreen products that it takes to cause sunburn when they “Broad Spectrum” sunscreens protect determine which products are allowed do not use a sunscreen. The product against both UVA and UVB rays. to be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.” is then labeled with the appropriate Scientific data demonstrated that FDA extended the compliance SPF value indicating the amount of products that are “Broad Spectrum dates for testing and labeling until sunburn protection provided by the SPF 15 [or higher]” have been shown December 17, 2012 for most over-the- product. Higher SPF values (up to 50) to reduce the risk of skin cancer and counter sunscreen products. provide greater sunburn protection. early skin aging when used with Because SPF values are determined Prior FDA rules on sunscreens dealt other sun protection measures, in from a test that measures protection almost exclusively with protection addition to helping prevent sunburn. against sunburn caused by ultraviolet against sunburn, which is primarily Other sun protection measures B (UVB) radiation, SPF values only caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) include limiting time in the sun and indicate a sunscreen’s UVB protection. radiation from the sun, and did not wearing protective clothing. However, sunscreens that pass the address ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, EPA follows the recommendation of new broad spectrum test will have which contributes to skin cancer and the National Council on Skin Cancer demonstrated that they also provide early skin aging. After reviewing Prevention in recommending the ultraviolet A (UVA) protection that is the latest science, FDA determined use of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. proportional to their UVB protection. that sufficient data are available to The SPF value indicates the level of To pass the broad spectrum test, establish a “broad spectrum” test for sunburn protection provided by the sunscreens with higher SPF values determining a sunscreen product’s

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will provide higher levels of UVA indicate the amount or magnitude • Water resistance claims. Water protection as well. Therefore, under of overall protection. Broad resistance claims on the front the new label requirements, a higher Spectrum SPF products with SPF label must indicate whether the SPF value for sunscreens labeled values higher than 15 provide sunscreen remains effective for “Broad Spectrum SPF [value]” will greater protection and may claim 40 minutes or 80 minutes while indicate a higher level of protection additional uses, as described in the swimming or sweating, based from both UVA and UVB radiation. next bullet. on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must FDA advises the public to be aware • Use claims. Only Broad Spectrum include a direction instructing that no sunscreens are “waterproof” sunscreens with an SPF value of consumers to use a water resistant because all sunscreens eventually 15 or higher can claim to reduce sunscreen if swimming or sweating. wash off. Sunscreens can only be the risk of skin cancer and early labeled as “water resistant” if they skin aging if used as directed with • Drug Facts. All sunscreens must are tested according to the required other sun protection measures. include standard “Drug Facts” SPF test procedure. Sunscreens Non-Broad Spectrum sunscreens information on the back and/or side labeled “water resistant” will also and Broad Spectrum sunscreens of the container. be required to state whether the with an SPF value between 2 and Additional Resources sunscreen remains effective for 14 can only claim to help prevent www.fda.gov/downloads/ 40 minutes or 80 minutes when sunburn. forconsumers/consumerupdates/ swimming or sweating, and all • “Waterproof,” “sweatproof” ucm258718.pdf sunscreens will be required to provide or “sunblock” claims. directions on when to reapply. www.fda.gov/forconsumers/ Manufacturers cannot label consumerupdates/ucm258468. In summary, the final rule includes sunscreens as “waterproof” or htm#Q1_Why_is_FDA the following requirements: “sweatproof,” or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because • Broad Spectrum designation. these claims overstate their Sunscreens that pass FDA’s broad effectiveness. Sunscreens also spectrum test procedure, which cannot claim to provide sun measures a product’s ultraviolet protection for more than 2 hours A (UVA) protection relative to its without reapplication or to provide ultraviolet B (UVB) protection, protection immediately after may be labeled as “Broad application (for example— “instant Spectrum SPF [value]” on the protection”) without submitting front label. For Broad Spectrum data to support these claims and sunscreens, SPF values also obtaining FDA approval. 3 SW SUNWISDOM

If used as directed with other sun protection measures, this product reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as helps prevent sunburn. Only products labeled with both “Broad Spectrum” AND SPF 15 or higher have been shown to provide all these benefits. Drug Facts Active Ingredients Purpose Avobenzone 3% Homosalate 10% Sunscreen Octyl methoxycinnamate 7.5% } Uses • helps prevent sunburn • if used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun Warnings For external use only Do not use on damaged or broken skin When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash occurs Keep out of reach of children. If product is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions • apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure X • reapply: X X • after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating • immediately after towel drying BROAD SPECTRUM • at leastBROAD every 2 hours SPECTRUM SPF 15 • Sun Protection Measures.SPF 10Spending time in the sun increases your risk SPF 30 of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: • limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses • children under 6 months: Ask a doctor

Inactive ingredients aloe extract, barium sulfate, benzyl alcohol, carbomer, dimethicone, disodium EDTA, jojoba oil, methylparaben, octadecene/MA WATER RESISTANT copolymer, polyglyceryl-3WATER RESISTANT distearate, phenethyl alcohol, propylparaben, WATER RESISTANT sorbitan isostearate, sorbitol, stearic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), (40 MINUTES) triethanolamine, water(40 MINUTES) (40 MINUTES) Other information • protect this product from excessive heat and direct sun Questions or comments? Call toll free 1-800-XXX-XXXX 4 SW SUNWISDOM

These products have not been shown to protect against skin cancer and early skin aging. They have been shown only to help prevent sunburn.

Drug Facts Active Ingredients Purpose Avobenzone 3% Homosalate 10% Sunscreen Octyl methoxycinnamate 7.5% } Uses • helps prevent sunburn

Warnings Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging. For external use only Do not use on damaged or broken skin When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash occurs Keep out of reach of children. If product is swallowed, get medical X X X help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Directions BROAD SPECTRUM BROAD SPECTRUM • apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure SPF 15 SPF 10 SPF 30 • reapply: • after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating • immediately after towel drying • at least every 2 hours • children under 6 months: Ask a doctor

Inactive ingredients aloe extract, barium sulfate, benzyl alcohol, carbomer, dimethicone, disodium EDTA, jojoba oil, methylparaben, octadecene/MA copolymer, polyglyceryl-3 distearate, phenethyl alcohol, propylparaben, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitol, stearic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), WATER RESISTANT WATER RESISTANT WATER RESISTANT triethanolamine, water (40 MINUTES) (40 MINUTES) (40 MINUTES) Other information • protect this product from excessive heat and direct sun Questions or comments? Call toll free 1-800-XXX-XXXX

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Health Effects of Sun Overexposure

Since the appearance of an “ozone are working to reduce the incidence year. There are two primary types of hole” over the Antarctic in the 1980s, of this disease, of which more than nonmelanoma skin cancers. Americans have become aware of the 3.5 million cases are diagnosed each Basal Cell Carcinomas are the most health threats posed by depletion of year. stratospheric ozone, which protects common type of skin cancer tumors. Melanoma the Earth from the sun’s harmful They usually appear as small, fleshy ultraviolet (UV) rays. This fact Melanoma, the most serious form bumps or nodules on the head and sheet provides a quick overview of of skin cancer, is characterized by neck, but can occur on other skin the major health problems linked to the uncontrolled growth of pigment- areas. Basal cell carcinoma grows overexposure to UV radiation: producing cells. One American slowly, and rarely spreads to other dies of melanoma every hour. By parts of the body. It can, however, • Skin cancer (melanoma and 2015, it is estimated that one in 50 penetrate to the bone and cause nonmelanoma) Americans will develop melanoma in considerable damage. their lifetime. Many dermatologists • Premature aging of the skin and Squamous Cell Carcinomas are believe there may be a link between other skin problems tumors that may appear as nodules childhood sunburns and melanoma or as red, scaly patches. This cancer • Cataracts and other eye damage later in life. The rate of new can develop into large masses, and melanoma cases in this country • Immune system suppression unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can has nearly doubled in the past two spread to other parts of the body. Understanding these risks and taking decades, and the rise is expected to a few sensible precautions will help continue. These two cancers have a cure rate you enjoy the sun while lowering Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers as high as 95 percent if detected and your chances of sun-related health treated early. The key is to watch for Nonmelanoma skin cancers problems later in life. signs and seek medical treatment. are generally less deadly than Skin Cancer melanomas. Nevertheless, left One in five Americans will develop untreated, they can spread, causing skin cancer in their lifetime. Medical disfigurement and more serious research is helping us understand health problems. More than 2 the causes and effects of skin cancer. million Americans are diagnosed Many health and education groups with nonmelanoma skin cancer each

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Other Skin Damage Cataracts and Other Eye Damage Immune Suppression Other UV-related skin problems Cataracts are a form of eye damage Scientists have found that include actinic keratoses and in which a loss of transparency in overexposure to UV radiation may premature aging of the skin. Actinic the lens of the eye clouds vision. If suppress proper functioning of the keratoses are skin growths that occur left untreated, cataracts can lead to body’s immune system and the skin’s on body areas exposed to the sun. The blindness. Research has shown that natural defenses. All people, regard- face, hands, forearms, and the “V” of UV radiation increases the likelihood less of skin color, may be vulnerable the neck are especially susceptible to of certain cataracts. Although curable to effects, including impaired this type of lesion. with modern eye surgery, cataracts response to immunization and an diminish the eyesight of millions increased sensitivity to sunlight that Although premalignant, actinic of Americans and cost billions of may result from interactions with keratoses are a risk factor for dollars in medical care each year. certain medications. squamous cell carcinoma. Look for Other kinds of eye damage include raised, reddish, rough-textured EPA’s SunWise Program pterygium (tissue growth that can growths and seek prompt medical In response to the serious public block vision), skin cancer around the attention if you discover them. health threat posed by overexposure eyes, and degeneration of the macula Chronic overexposure to the sun to UV radiation, EPA is working with (the part of the retina where visual also causes premature aging, which schools and communities across the perception is most acute). All of these over time can make the skin become nation through the SunWise Program. problems can be lessened with proper wrinkled, thick, and leathery. Since SunWise aims to teach children and eye protection. it occurs gradually, often manifesting their caregivers how to protect them- itself many years after the majority selves from overexposure to the sun. of a person’s sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. With proper protection from UV radiation, however, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

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Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby

What is Ozone Anyway? The Ozone Hole is Not a Hole bromine atom can destroy thousands and thousands of ozone molecules, Ozone (03) is made naturally in the Although we say “hole in the ozone atmosphere when three oxygen atoms layer” or “ozone hole,” there’s no causing ozone to disappear much join together to form a colorless gas. actual hole. Instead, the protective faster than nature can replace it. Ozone can have good or bad effects, layer contains less good ozone than People often confuse the ozone hole depending on where it’s located in the it used to. This thinning is found all with global warming, but they are atmosphere. One way to remember over the earth, but the biggest losses two different problems. this is, “good up high, bad nearby.” are over the North and South Poles. Is Anyone Doing Anything Good Up High That’s because ozone destruction is worse when it’s very cold. About the Ozone Hole (That’s Not The “Good” Ozone Layer: Earth’s a Hole)? Sunscreen To see current levels of ozone over The Montreal Protocol is an The earth is wrapped in layers of air the South Pole, go to: international treaty that protects called the atmosphere. “Good” ozone ozonewatch.gsfc.nasa.gov. the ozone layer by phasing out the is in the earth’s upper atmosphere, The trouble with ozone destruction manufacture and use of ozone- 10 to 30 miles above the surface. Life starts when certain chemicals used depleting chemicals. It was enacted couldn’t exist without this protective in air conditioners, fire extinguishers, in 1989, and all of the countries ozone, which is also called the “ozone insulating foams, and solvents in the world have signed it. Many layer.” are let out during use. These ozone-depleting chemicals are now The sun gives off light, heat, and chemicals eventually reach the upper illegal to use, or are only used in other types of radiation. Too much atmosphere and are broken down small quantities. If all countries meet UV (ultraviolet) radiation can cause by the sun’s radiation, releasing the terms of the Montreal Protocol, skin cancer, cataracts, and harm chlorine and bromine atoms. These scientists expect the ozone layer to plants and animals. Ozone high in atoms take away one of the oxygen heal by around 2050. the atmosphere absorbs, or takes in, atoms from ozone and use them to Because of the Montreal Protocol, some of the sun’s harmful UV rays make other substances. Chlorine and levels of most ozone-depleting before they reach the ground. Just bromine atoms are catalysts, meaning chemicals in the atmosphere have as sunscreen helps protect your skin they can speed up a chemical reaction slowly gone down. As a result, the from getting burned, ozone up high without changing, and can repeat the size of the ozone “hole” has remained works like Earth’s sunscreen. destructive cycle again with another pretty much the same in recent years. ozone molecule. So one chlorine or 8 SW SUNWISDOM

Today, any products in the U.S. the upper atmosphere, you’d need levels when winds blow pollution containing CFCs and other ozone- about double the electricity that hundreds of miles from their original depleting chemicals must have we use in the U.S. every year. In sources. warning labels. The U.S. also the atmosphere, this huge amount How Does “Bad” Ozone prohibits the release of refrigerants of energy comes from the sun. We Affect Me? used in car and home air conditioners also don’t have a way to transport Even at low levels, breathing ozone into the air, because they still use the ozone to the right places in the can cause chest pains, coughing, ozone-depleting chemicals. atmosphere. nausea, throat irritation, and Why Can’t We Just Make More Ozone? Since we can’t make more ozone, the congestion. It can also worsen heart Ozone molecules are constantly being solution is to slow the flow down the and lung diseases, like emphysema, made and destroyed by the sun’s drain back to its normal rate. And the bronchitis, and asthma. The more ultraviolet light in natural processes. only way to do that is to stop using ozone pollution a person breathes, the Normally, the amount made and the ozone-depleting chemicals. more permanent damage it can do to amount destroyed is about the same, Bad Nearby her lungs. so nothing changes. Think of the What Causes “Bad” Ozone? Healthy people can also find it harder amount of ozone as the water level “Bad” ozone is found at ground level. to breathe when exposed to ozone in a bathtub with the faucet running In cities, it’s made when emissions pollution. Because it usually forms and the drain open. If you turn on the from vehicles, power plants, chemical in hot weather, anyone who spends water just right, you can make the plants, and other sources react with time outdoors in the summer may be amount of water leaving the bathtub heat and sunlight. The hotter the affected, particularly children, older equal to the amount coming in, so day and the stronger the sun, the people, outdoor workers, and people that the water level never changes. more ozone is formed. That’s why exercising. Millions of Americans But right now, the drain has gotten ozone is usually worst on windless, live in areas where ozone levels are faster, and the amount of ozone hot summer afternoons. High levels higher than the national health destroyed is more than the ozone of ozone are mainly a concern for standards, and should pay attention being made. people from April 1–September 30. to ozone levels when the weather is A big reason we can’t make more hot and sunny. You’re most likely to find high levels ozone to send into the upper of “bad” ozone in urban areas. You atmosphere is because it would take might hear it called “smog.” However, a LOT of energy. In fact, to make the other areas can also have high ozone amount of ozone normally found in

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Ways to Protect Your Health on Bad What Can I Do? To Protect “Good” Ozone Ozone Days: We can control some things, and Up High • Use the Air Quality Index (AQI). some things we can’t. Here are some • Have your car, home air The AQI uses colors and numbers things you can do. And remember, conditioning, and refrigerator to tell you how much pollution is lots of small steps add up to big checked for leaks. in the air: www.airnow.gov. differences! • Make sure that the technicians • Use the EPA’s Activity Guidelines To Limit “Bad,” Nearby Ozone working on your air conditioners at your school and sports practices • Keep your car tuned-up and and refrigerator are certified to to keep your kids healthy: running well. recover the refrigerant, as required www.epa.gov/airnow/school_flag/ by law. school-chart-2013.pdf. • Carpool, use mass transit, walk, bicycle, and plan trips efficiently • Find out from your local • Do outdoor activities early in the to reduce driving, especially on hot government the best way to get morning and after 6 p.m. summer days. rid of old refrigerators and air conditioners. • Pay attention to any breathing or • Be careful not to spill gas when lung problems you might have. filling up your car or gas-powered How Can I Protect Myself from UV Rays? How Are We Dealing With Ozone lawn equipment. During the Pollution? summer, fill your gas tank during • Use the UV (ultraviolet) Index: cooler evening hours. The UV Index tells you how strong The Clean Air Act Amendments of the sun’s rays will be for the day: 1990 require the US Environmental • Make sure your car’s tires are www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index. Protection Agency, the States, and properly inflated and your wheels cities to carry out programs that are aligned. • Don’t Get Burned: Sunburns, reduce emissions of ozone-forming especially for children, • Participate in your local utility’s chemicals from sources like cars, significantly increase the risk energy conservation programs. industry, power plants, and consumer of getting skin cancer over your products. Power plants are reducing • Seal containers of household lifetime. emissions, companies are developing cleaners, workshop solvents, • Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning cleaner cars and fuels, many gas and garden chemicals to prevent Beds: The UV radiation causes stations are using special nozzles chemicals from evaporating into skin cancer and wrinkling. at the pumps to recapture gasoline the air. Dispose of them properly. vapors, and vehicle inspection programs are being improved to reduce emissions.

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Use Enough Sunscreen: At least 15 The Shadow Rule minutes before going outside, put Look for your shadow to estimate on about one ounce of sunscreen your UV exposure: over all exposed skin. Sunscreen • If your shadow is taller than you should have a Sun Protection are (in the early morning and late Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and afternoon), you’re probably getting provide protection from both less UV exposure. ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two • If your shadow is shorter than hours, even on cloudy days, and you are (around midday), you after swimming or sweating. are getting higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect Wear Protective Clothing, such as your skin and eyes. a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide- brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

Seek Shade when you can. Remember, the sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Use Extra Caution Near Water and Sand: They reflect the sun’s rays, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Get Vitamin D Safely: Choose foods fortified with Vitamin D or take vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

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UV Radiation

The sun radiates energy over a broad Types of UV Radiation Stratospheric Ozone spectrum of wavelengths. Ultraviolet Scientists classify UV radiation into The ozone layer absorbs most of the (UV) radiation, which has a shorter three types or bands — UVA, UVB, sun’s UV rays, but the amount of wavelength than either visible blue and UVC. absorption varies depending on or violet light and is not visible to the time of year and other natural UVA: Not absorbed by the ozone the human eye, is responsible for phenomena. This absorption has also layer. sunburns and other adverse health decreased as the ozone layer effects (Diagram A). Fortunately UVB: Mostly absorbed by the has thinned, due to the release of for life on Earth, our atmosphere’s ozone layer, but some does reach ozone-depleting substances that stratospheric ozone layer shields us the Earth’s surface. have been widely used in industry. from most UV radiation. What gets UVC: Completely absorbed by Time of Day through the ozone layer, however, the ozone layer and oxygen in The sun is at its highest in the sky can cause the following problems, the atmosphere. around noon. At this time, the sun’s particularly for people who spend rays have the least distance to travel time outdoors without sun protection: UVA and UVB that reach the through the atmosphere and UVB Earth’s surface contribute to the • Skin cancer levels are at their highest. In the serious health effects listed above. early morning and late afternoon, • Premature aging of the skin UV Levels Depend on the sun’s rays pass through the • Suppression of the immune system a Number of Factors atmosphere at an angle and their The level of UV radiation that intensity is greatly reduced. • Cataracts and other eye damage reaches the Earth’s surface can Time of Year Because of these serious health vary, depending on many factors. The sun’s angle varies with the effects, you should limit your Each of the following factors can seasons, causing the intensity of exposure to UV radiation and protect increase your risk of UV radiation UVB rays to change. UVB intensity yourself when outdoors. overexposure and its consequent tends to be highest during the health effects. summer months. The intensity of UVA rays is relatively constant throughout the year.

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Latitude Altitude Reflection The sun’s rays are strongest at UV intensity increases with altitude Some surfaces, such as snow, sand, the equator, where the sun is most because there is less atmosphere to concrete, or water, can reflect much directly overhead and UV rays must absorb the damaging rays. Thus, of the UV radiation that reaches travel the least distance through when you go to higher altitudes, your them. Because of this reflection, UV the atmosphere (Diagram B). risk of overexposure increases. intensity can be deceptively high even in shaded areas. Ozone also is naturally thinner in Weather Conditions the tropics compared to the mid Cloud cover reduces UVB levels, but and high latitudes, so there is less not completely. Depending on the ozone to absorb the UV radiation as type and thickness of the cloud cover, it passes through the atmosphere. it is possible to burn — and increase At higher latitudes the sun is lower your risk for long-term skin and eye in the sky, so UV rays must travel a damage — on a cloudy day. Diagram B greater distance through ozone-rich portions of the atmosphere and, in turn, expose those latitudes to less UV radiation.

UV radiation is less strong at higher latitudes because UV rays must travel further through the ozone and the atmosphere. Diagram A

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Gamma X-Rays UV Visible Infrared Microwave Radio Rays Waves UV radiation is strongest near the equator because UV rays must travel a shorter distance through the ozone and the atmosphere.

UVC UVB UVA Visible

Short Long

Wavelength

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What Is the UV Index?

Some exposure to sunlight can be • Wear Protective Clothing, Including UV Index Exposure enjoyable; however, too much could Number Level a Hat, Sunglasses, and Full-Length be dangerous. Overexposure to the Clothing sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can 2 or less Low • Seek Shade cause immediate effects, such as sunburn, and long-term problems, • Use Extra Caution Near Water, such as skin cancer and cataracts. 3 to 5 Moderate Snow, and Sand The UV Index, which was developed • Check the UV Index by the National Weather Service and 6 to 7 High EPA, provides important information • Get Vitamin D Safely to help you plan your outdoor Early detection of melanoma can save activities to prevent overexposure to 8 to 10 Very High your life. Carefully examine all of the sun’s rays. your skin once a month. A new or The UV Index provides a daily 11+ Extreme changing spot should be evaluated. forecast of the expected risk of What is the UV Alert? overexposure to the sun. The EPA issues a UV Alert when the level Index predicts UV intensity levels of solar UV radiation reaching your on a scale of 0 to 11+, where < 2 SunWise Action Steps local area is predicted to be unusually indicates a low risk of overexposure By taking a few simple precautions intense for the time of year. The and 11+ signifies an extreme risk. daily, you can greatly reduce your UV Alert is a warning, and it offers Calculated on a next-day basis for risk of sun-related illnesses. To simple steps you can take to protect every ZIP Code across the United be SunWise, consider taking the yourself and your family. The UV States, the UV Index takes into following action steps daily: Alert consists of the SunWise action account clouds and other local steps and is posted by ZIP Code and conditions that affect the amount of • Do Not Burn City, State at www.epa.gov/sunwise/ UV radiation reaching the ground in • Avoid Sun Tanning and uvindex.html. different parts of the country. Tanning Beds

• Generously Apply Sunscreen

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What does the UV Alert mean? children typically spend more time The SunWise website will direct you The UV Alert is based on the UV outdoors than adults, it is especially to EPA’s EnviroFlash website, where Index, which EPA provides with the important that children take these you can sign up to receive the daily support of the National Weather steps. Even if you have darker UV Index and occasional UV Alerts Service. EPA only issues a UV Alert skin, EPA recommends that you directly by email. when the UV Index is predicted to be act SunWise to reduce your risk of The National Weather Service is 6 or higher and unusually intense for skin cancer, cataracts, and other currently offering a national UV Alert the time of year. In some parts of the UV-related health problems. map as an experimental product. United States, the UV Index rarely or Where can I find the UV Index and UV The map indicates which parts of the never reaches this level, so your local Alert forecasts for my area? country have a UV Alert forecast for area may never receive a UV Alert. You can find the UV Index and the coming day. Follow the link from UV Alert days are not the only UV Alert forecasts for your area in the SunWise website to the map. days you need to protect yourself. your local newspaper, on television, EPA recommends that you take the and by visiting EPA’s SunWise SunWise action steps every day, website at www.epa.gov/sunwise. regardless of the season. Because Enter your ZIP Code. The resulting UV forecast will indicate if there is a UV Alert.

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