Staying Healthy in the Sun

Information About UV Radiation for Meteorologists

This publication contains information about the health risks posed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and describes the steps people can take to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. This information is designed to help meteorologists when they broadcast a UV Index report.

In 1994, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS ) introduced the UV Index as a daily report on the UV radiation levels people may experience. The Index predicts the next day's levels on a 0 to 11+ scale.

This information contains both general sun safety tips as well as specific health advisories for each UV Index level. These tips and advisories are the product of close cooperation between EPA,NWS, the American Academy of Dermatology , the American Meteorological Society , and representatives of the broadcast meteorology community who actively broadcast weather information to the public.

Facts and Figures

• There has been an 1,800 percent rise in malignant melanoma since 1930.
  
• One American dies of skin cancer every hour.
  
• One in five Americans develops skin cancer.
  
• People get 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18.
  

WHY WORRY ABOUT TOO MUCH SUN?

UV radiation from the sun can seriously threaten human health.

Sunburn

The most obvious result of too much sun is sunburn, which involves skin redness and sometimes tenderness, swelling, blistering, fever, and nausea. Although some skin types prevent individuals from burning, everyone is at risk for other UV-related health effects.

Premature wrinkling

In the long run, too much exposure to the sun can change your skin's texture, giving it a tough, leathery appearance. The sun also can cause discolorations in skin tone including red, yellow, gray, or brown spots.

Skin cancer

Over time, exposure to the sun and severe sunburns can lead to skin cancer. The most common places for skin cancer to develop are on those body parts exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands.

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

• Basal cell carcinomas are tumors that usually appear as small, fleshy bumps or nodules.
  
• Squamous cell carcinomas appear as nodules or as red, scaly patches.
  
• Malignant melanomas may appear without warning as a dark mole or other dark spot in the skin.
  

All three types can be curable if you detect them in their early stages. To help recognize potential problems, conduct periodic self-examinations and watch for growths that meet one of the 'ABCDs' of melanoma.

If you notice any changes in the appearance of moles or freckles, contact a dermatologist.

Sun sensitivity

Some people may develop bumps, hives, blisters, or red blotchy areas as an allergic reaction to sun exposure. Certain drugs, perfumes, and cosmetics also can make some people sensitive to the sun.

Immune system suppression and disease

No matter what your skin type or susceptibility to burns, sun exposure can damage your immune system and make your body more vulnerable to infections and cancers. Diseases, such as herpes simplex (cold sores), chicken pox, and lupus, can become worse with sun exposure.

Eye damage

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has cautioned that excess exposure to UV radiation can cause a painful burn of the cornea. Chronic eye exposure to UV radiation may increase the incidence of 'cataract,' which is a clouding of the eye lens; 'pterygium,' in which a fleshy membrane covers the eye; and possibly 'macular degeneration,' or the development of spots that could result in blindness.

General Sun Safety Tips

You can use the following general messages to help educate your viewers about how they can avoid overexposure to the sun on any day. The remainder of the booklet contains messages that apply directly to each UV Index level.

• Minimize exposure to the sun during the hours when exposure could be most damaging, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Typically, exposure at 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. is only one third that at midday. Try getting outdoor activities accomplished during minimum exposure hours. Remember, however, you can still get a sunburn even in the mid-afternoon.
  
• Remember that incidental time in the sun can add up to long-term sun damage, including the time spent walking the dog, window shopping, performing outdoor chores, or jogging at lunch. Even on overcast days, 30 to 60 percent of the sun's rays can penetrate to the Earth's surface.
  
• Wear a hat and other protective clothing, as well as sunglasses, to protect your body from too much sun.
  
• Use 'broad spectrum sunscreens,' which are those that contain active ingredients that absorb at least 85 percent of the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Read labels carefully and choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, which filters out both UVA and UVB radiation.
  
• Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, about 20 minutes before exposure, especially to easily overlooked areas like the rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet. For an average adult, the recommended dose is 1 ounce, or one quarter of a 4-ounce bottle, per application. Reapply every 2 hours, after being in the water, or after exercising and sweating.
  

Using the UV Index

The UV Index can help the public be aware of the level of UV radiation exposure expected on a given day. As a result, people can use simple sun protective behaviors to reduce their lifetime risk of developing skin cancer and other sun-related illnesses. What follows is a description of each UV Index level and tips you can give to help people prepare.

For More Information

For more information about the UV Index, contact EPA's Stratospheric Protection Hotline at 800 296-1996 or explore the rest of the UV Index web site.

Acknowledgments

This publication is based largely on the results of a workgroup on UV health effects, with participants including:

Kevin D. Cooper, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University/Director, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland;

Allan Eustis, Chief, Office of Industrial Meteorology, National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA);

Sandra Gordon, Communications Director, American Academy of Dermatology;

Paul Gross, Consulting Meteorologist;

Drusilla Hufford, Director, Stratospheric Protection Division, U.S. EPA;

Howard H. Koh, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health;

Craig Long, Meteorologist, Climate Prediction Center, NWS, NOAA;

Alvin J. Miller, Chief, Climate Operations Branch, Climate Prediction Center, NWS, NOAA.