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Did you know that the number of new cases of skin cancer and the number of
deaths caused by the most serious type of skin cancer are rapidly rising
in the United States? This is particularly troubling since the numbers for
most cancers have been declining. Sunlight is the main source for
ultraviolet radiation (UV) known to damage skin and to cause skin cancer.
The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length
of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays
or safe suntans.
This information and more is found on a pocket card issued by OSHA. It
is called the Sun Card: Protecting Yourself Against Harmful
Sunlight, OSHA publication 3166. This pocket card is advisory, not a
new standard or regulation, and is intended to give advice to outdoor
workers.
According to OSHA, workers who spend time outdoors should protect
themselves from UV radiation by wearing protective clothing that does not
transmit visible light: broad-brimmed hats that protect the face, ears and
neck; and sunglasses that block UV rays. Workers also should frequently
apply sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and
seek shade, if possible, when the suns intensity reaches its peakbetween
10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunlight, which can cause eye damage, premature aging of the skin and
skin cancers, such as melanoma, is the main source of UV radiation.
Melanoma accounts for more than three-fourths of deaths related to skin
cancer each year, though most skin cancers can be cured if detected early
enough.
Outdoor workers with fair skin and hair, freckles, or numerous or
irregular moles, are especially susceptible to sun damage. Even a few
serious sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer.
DoD personnel can access the pocket card from the OSHA web site at www.osha.gov
(see publications) or write the OSHA Publications Office, U.S.
Department of Labor, Room N-3101, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20210. You also can request the card by calling (202) 693-1999.
For more information on harmful effects of the sun, go to the American
Cancer Societys web site at www.cancer.org and the Center for
Disease Control and Preventions site at www.cdc.gov. |
