UV Safety Awareness Month
UV Safety Awareness Month is observed every July, promoting awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and educating on protective measures. While limited sun exposure can be beneficial and help produce vitamin D, overexposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and other health issues.
Sun Safety Fast Facts
Five or more sunburns in your lifetime double your risk for melanoma (1).
The sun’s UV rays are stronger in the middle of the day compared to the early morning and evening. This means risk of sunburn is higher during midday. Additionally, the solar intensity can differ depending on geography (2).
Sunglasses with a “100% UV protection” or a UV400 rating on the label block more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation, provide the best protection against UV rays and help protect your eyes (3).
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number the more protection against harmful UV rays (4).
Vitamin D doesn’t just come from the sun. To help meet your daily vitamin D intake, try taking vitamin D supplements or eating foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, mushrooms and orange juice (5).
Sources:
"Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics - The Skin Cancer Foundation", Skincancer, 1 Jan. 2023, https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/.
"Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun | FDA", FDA, 24 May. 2023, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun.
"Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses | FDA", FDA, 15 Aug. 2023, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses.
"Sun Safety | Skin Cancer | CDC", CDC, 18 Apr. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.
"5 need-to-know facts about sun safety | Lupus Foundation of America" Lupus.org, https://www.lupus.org/resources/5-facts-about-sun-safety#:~:text=5%20need-to-know%20facts%20about%20sun%20safety%201%20UV,Effective%20sun%20protection%20requires%20more%20than%20sunscreen.%20.