Category Archives: Weather Protection

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

UV (LIGHT) RADIATION

Whether at work or play, as summer heats up, it’s important to know this information regarding the damage that Ultraviolet waves can do to our vision. 

According to sources listed below,
Ultraviolet (UV) is the invisible band of radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays.  Between 400 nanometers (nm) and x-rays at 4 nm and below.  Listed are their three regions:

  • UV-A: (400-315 nm), Near UV
  • UV-B: (315-280 nm), Mid UV
  • UV-C:  (280-100 nm), Far UV

Long- term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eyes, and can lead to such disorders as cataracts and macular degeneration.   UV-blocking eye protection should be worn when people are exposed to the sun reflecting on water, sand, asphalt, and snow.  Many individuals are not aware of the dangers that contact with UV rays pose.  Everyone should wear eyewear blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays, and a brimmed hat.   According to Prevent Blindness America, children are also at risk for eye damage from exposure to UV radiation.   They should wear the same UV-blocking eyewear for outdoor play, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, when UV rays are the most intense.

Be sure when you are shopping for sunglasses that the lenses absorb at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.  Avoid labels that state “Provides UV Protection”, but do not distinguish the proportion of UV rays it blocks.  Carefully select the type of eye protection that best fits your needs such as polarized safety eyewear, wraparounds, vented sunglasses, etc.

Source: Gatewaysafety.com
SafetyNets, Un.California, Davis
Prevent Blindness America

Home Safety Products, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SUMMERTIME AND THE SUN

Maybe because it’s so hot, we just can’t seem to say enough to warn everyone about the harmful effects of the sun!  Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, (1998), even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.

Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamos cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults.  Children must be protected from sunburn, beginning at an early age.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hard hats w/sunshields, sunglasses, long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.  (And hope for an early Fall!)