NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Factsheets/Pamphlets

Introduction

Lots of things in our homes and schools and workplaces -- and in wild and natural places --can cause harm sometimes. Why "sometimes"? The harm may depend on who you are -- as well as what you do, what you are exposed to, and when.

Big, muscular people look as if they can resist anything. But they can have allergies or asthma, or be injured by chemicals, too. And the bigger they come, the more skin the sun can burn!

Most of us, for example, can get sunburned on a bright day. Your reaction will be greater if you are outside, without much on, for a long time. Your reaction will be less if you cover your exposed skin with lots of sun screen. How bad you burn can depend on your age and previous exposure. (Babies and toddlers need a lot more protection.) Finally, if one or both of your parents burn very easily, they may have passed that sensitivity to you in your genes.