For additional information on any of the following topics, click
on the links below.
What is ultraviolet radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from sunlight. UV radiation is
divided into three groups: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays pass through
glass and have longer wavelengths than UVB rays. UVB rays are shorter
but more intense rays that can not pass through glass. UVB rays
only constitute 0.5% of the sunlight that reaches the earth's surface,
but cause the most acute and chronic sun-related skin damage. UVC
rays do not reach the ground, and therefore are not a concern.
There are many factors that affect the intensity UV radiation exposure.
UV rays are reflected off snow, sand, water, and concrete. UVB rays
are more intense at high altitudes (i.e. in the mountains) and low
latitudes (i.e. along the Equator). Spending a long time outside
in the middle of a summer day wearing a bathing suit will result
in extremely high exposure to UV radiation. However, even on a cloudy
day, the UV rays are still there and capable of causing harm.
Why is ultraviolet radiation harmful?
In a perfect world, the atmospheric ozone layer would protect us
from the harmful rays of UV radiation. However, after centuries
of environmental abuse, the ozone layer is thinning and becoming
less protective. Unless the damage to the ozone layer is stopped,
we will be continually exposed to more UV radiation as time passes.
Until that time comes, everyone must take precautions to protect
themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
UV rays can cause skin damage. Exposure to UV rays can cause redness
of the skin and sunburn that can be very uncomfortable. Tanning
is a protective response to the UV radiation. A suntan may look
appealing at the time but years down the road, that same tan loses
it appeal with premature aging and skin cancers it caused. Skin
cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and
malignant melanoma are on the rise in the United States. Damage
to the skin is cumulative over a person's lifetime. Between 60%
and 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18
years of life, yet these effects will not be known for many years
later.
UV rays also damage the eyes. More than 99% of UV radiation is
absorbed by the front of the eyes. This exposure can lead to corneal
damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. All of these conditions
lead to blindness. It is also possible to get a melanoma within
the eye.
What is being done to protect my family from ultraviolet radiation?
The most important bit of information about UV protection can be
found in your local newspaper. The National Weather Service developed
the UV Index. This predicts the intensity of UV radiation in 58
cities around the country based on the sun's position, cloud movements,
altitude, ozone data, and other factors. Higher numbers predict
more intense UV rays at midday of the next day. The range of the
index is 0 to 15. For example, an index of 11 means that unprotected
skin will burn in less than 13 minutes of sun exposure at midday.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is attempting
to regulate the sunglasses industry by encouraging uniform labeling
for protection levels. When purchasing sunglasses for your child
or yourself, look for the label "meets ANSI UV requirements",
"blocks 99% of UV rays", or "special purpose".
Avoid buying sunglasses with the generic label "blocks harmful
UV".
What can I do to protect my family from ultraviolet radiation?
Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sun
exposure. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive to the sun. Keep
your baby dressed in lightweight long-sleeved clothing and in the
shade, but keep in mind the UV rays are reflective and can bounce
back on your baby, even in the shade. In the past, use of sunscreen
in children under 6 months of age was discouraged. However, in 1999,
the American Academy of Pediatrics changed its position and now
states that use of children's sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on small
areas of the baby's skin is acceptable when clothing or shade is
not available. Infants less than 6 months old should always wear
a brimmed hat and sunglasses designed to block out 99% of the sun's
rays.
Babies who are older than 6 months should have a liberal application
of a children's sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes before going
into the sun. Repeat applications every 2 hours are necessary to
ensure full protection. Additionally, older babies should be dressed
in lightweight long-sleeved clothing, a brimmed hat and sunglasses.
In the media, there have been concerns written about infants rubbing
sunscreen into their eyes and becoming blind. According to the American
Academy of Ophthalmology, this is not true! Sunscreen can be an
irritant to the eyes, but is not linked to blindness. To prevent
any problems, avoid applying sunscreen to close to your baby's eyes.
If sunscreen gets into your baby's eyes, rinse with plenty of water
and call our office to see if further care is needed.
Children older than 1 year of age and the rest of your family should
have a liberal application of a waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or
higher) 30 minutes before going into the sun. Repeat applications
every 2 hours are necessary to ensure full protection. You and your
children should wear tightly woven cotton fabrics, brimmed or billed
hats, and sunglasses when in the sun. Additionally, avoid the sun
between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is the most intense. It is important
to use sunscreen everyday, rain or shine, summer and winter. Do
not allow your children of any age to use tanning beds or sun lamps.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sponsored a school
program, "SunWise". Call your child's school to see if
this program is available.
Where can I get more information?
American Academy of Pediatrics - www.aap.org
Climate Prediction Center - www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Institute for Energy and Environmental Research - www.ieer.org
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