Category Archives: Weather Protection

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT SAFETY AWARENESS

As we all know, this summer is already warming up pretty quickly, and the first official day of summer isn’t until June 20th!  OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the United States.  NOAA is including pertinent worker safety information on its Heat Watch Web page.   

 Because conditions are extremely hot with high humidity this season, companies would be wise to follow all advisories to keep their employees as safe as possible during this trying time. 

Which brings up the question, how much water should we drink?  Water is the body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60 per cent of your body weight.  Your entire body’s system depends on water.  Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.  You can become tired and suffer energy loss with even mild dehydration.   We’ve all been told to consume six to eight glasses of water per day.  Dr. Margaret McCartney, a Scottish physician, states that there is no quality scientific evidence to support this recommendation, which she says can lead to over-hydration in some individuals.  This eight-glass formula doesn’t fit everyone.  The more active a person is, the more they will need to replace fluids.  Larger people, pregnant and nursing women, and those who take dehydrating medications will likely need to add more water to their diet.  

The Mayo Clinic staff suggests that your water needs depend on many factors, such as your health, how active you are, and where you live.  Because water is essential to good health, needs vary by individual.  If you use thirst as a guide for when to drink, by the time you are thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated.  As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst.  Here are some tips to ward off dehydration, and make sure your body has the fluids it needs:

  • Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal;
  • Hydrate before, during and after exercise;
  • Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social events. 

Many outside workers are exercising in temperatures that are very hot,  causing them to sweat more.  These folks will need to increase their water intake.  Oral hydration solutions, such as Powdered Gatorade Mix, Powerade or CeraLyte may help those who are in situations that cause them to sweat heavily.  Some experts recommend that bodies only need a minimal amount to keep the body in balance and give that energy kick.  Sometimes simply taking sips or swishing a sports drink will do the trick. 

At home, select foods that keep you hydrated and healthy.  Strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelon, and peaches are packed full of water and potassium, which is the electrolyte lost when your body sweats.  This is a great way to balance fluids that your body needs, and regulate your heartbeat and circulation.  Plus – they are delicious!  

Rest, shade and water are very important for your employees.  Individuals know what their body needs, and they must be diligent about taking the time to stop for a drink of water throughout the day. You can find more information on the OSHA website, as well as NOAA’s  website.  Try to stay cool, take breaks during the day, and stay hydrated! 

Last, but not least, wear a hat, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts if possible, and safety sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection for your eyes.  It’s going to be a long, hot summer, so take all the precautions you can to avoid heat-related illness.

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HURRICANES, 2012!!!

First, this note:  All Americans know that today, Monday,  is Memorial Day; a day of solemn remembrance to honor those who have served our country and died in the line of duty.  We wish for their families to be aware of the respect that their loved ones deserve, now and forever.  Flags are flying all over towns and cities as reminders of the flag they so loved.  May we never forget them, or fail to support our troops who are serving in this country and foreign lands.  May someday we all see our world become more peaceful.

This week, May 27-June 2, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare. 

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential. 

Earlier this week, The Weather Channel updated its forecast for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.  The Weather Channel outlook calls for 11 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Pay attention to your NOAA radio or television Weather Channel for the most current updates, so you can ” batten down the hatches! ”

NOAA’s outlook predicts a less active season compared to recent years,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. “But regardless of the outlook, it’s vital for anyone living or vacationing in hurricane-prone locations to be prepared. We have a stark reminder this year with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew.” Andrew, the Category 5 hurricane that devastated South Florida on August 24, 1992, was the first storm in a late-starting season that produced only six named storms. 

Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.  The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit them online at weather.gov and on Facebook. 

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit them on Facebook.  Listed below are suggestions to help you be prepared: 

  •        Secure your home;
  •        Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  •        Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  •        You need to have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each individual;
  •        Have a emergency first aid kit and flashlight;
  •        Be sure you have all medicines;
  •        Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear; 

In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries.  Let’s hope that this will be a mild season for those who live on coastlines, or inward communities that can be affected by this type of devastation.

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Weather Protection

MARCH 20TH – FIRST DAY OF SPRING

MARCH 20TH – FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

 

Well, we’re a “DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT,” but it’s never too late to acknowledge the arrival of Spring!  With warmer weather, American workers will start planning how to stay cool, especially those who work outside.  Our parent company, Texas America Safety Company (www.tasco-safety.com) has the very products to help you keep your cool.

Of course, we can’t talk about safety products without mentioning the all-important safety sunglasses with UV protection.  There are many fun styles to choose from that meet the ANSI Z87.1 standards for protecting your eyes.  Along with safety glasses, it’s very important to keep sunscreen on hand, especially if you work outdoors all day.   

In case you haven’t seen some of these products, we’d like to introduce them to you.  These are great for work, and many of them are good to wear playing golf, mowing the lawn, and other “fun” chores.  Let’s start out with the Miracool Bandannas.  Full of tiny crystals, these MiraCool Cooling Crystals encased within the 100% cotton fabric absorb and hold up to 1000 times their weight in cool refreshing water. MiraCool Crystals work in combination with the evaporation process. When worn against head, neck or body, cooling sensations are passed to pulse points and carried throughout the body….The only thing you need to do, is soak the bandanna in cold water for about 30 minutes prior to using it.  My husband and his friends wouldn’t go to the golf course without them! 

Next, there’s cooling pads for hardhats.  Here’s the information on these handy cooling pads:

  • Just Soak In Cold Water for 30 Minutes
  • Stays Hydrated For Several Days
  • Reusable Thousands Of Times
  • Works Without Freezing Or Ice
  • Increases Alertness & Productivity

Other head cooling products include absorbent sweatbands for hardhats, Velcro terrycloth headbands, and snap-on sweat bands for headgear.  The MSA V-G and Omega II hardhats allow for sunshields to be attached in order to provide extra shade.  A cloth neck shield is also available to attach to the hardhat and protect workers from sun and heat.  Also available for warmer weather (or anytime), is powdered Gatorade.  

Check out T.A.S.C.O.’s ERB Boonie hats!  Brightly colored in lime or orange, these mesh vented, high-visibility hats are great for walkers, workers, and anyone who works in their yard or garden.  Guys and gals will enjoy these wild little hats! 

Thanks for letting us take the time to tell you about some “cool” products for spring.  Summer is just around the corner, and now’s the time to stock up so your employees can be protected as much as possible.  Most of these are great for individuals at home, too!  Please work safely and take breaks as often as possible.  Drink plenty of water during the day.  Have a pleasant spring!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

2012 TORNADO SEASON BLOWS IN TOO SOON!

If it’s a tornado or severe thunderstorm – NEVER is too soon!  It seems very early for twisters, but on the last day of February, into the morning hours of March 1st, at least 18 tornadoes left their aftermaths in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana.  These terrible tornadoes were spawned by a powerful storm system that blew in from the Rockies on Tuesday.  The latest death count was 12 persons, with more expected, as several severe injuries were reported; rescue efforts are being made throughout the hardest hit places, whether small towns or cities.  Branson, Missouri, was ravaged, as hotels and theaters were hit just days before their tourist season starts.  According to news sources, Branson would be host to around 60,000 visitors on any given day during their busy season. Harrisburg, Illinois, experienced an EF4 tornado, the second-highest rating given to twisters based on damage.  Scientists say it was 200 yards wide with winds up to 170 mph.  According to the National Weather Service, more tornado watches are in effect today for Kentucky and Tennessee.  Last year, tornadoes killed 550 people in the United States, and caused $28.7 billion in damages.  Mississippi and Alabama were hit especially hard. 

In an article written last April by Bryan Walsh, about “The Hows and Whys of A Possibly Record-Breaking Tornado Month”, the focus was on April, 2011, going down as a record-breaking month for tornadoes, even worse than April, 1954, when an estimated 407 tornadoes struck. April 27, 2011, saw 139 separate tornadoes being reported on that one day, ripping through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, killing at least 200 people.  April 3, 1974,  a tornado that killed 315 people was reported.  Walsh continues: “Those statistics don’t convey the sheer terror and destruction brought on by these storms.”

Everyone wants to know: What Is Causing It? 

Andrew Freedman of the Washington Post’s great Capital Weather blog, explains the conditions behind monster tornadoes.  “In order for tornadoes to form, several factors have to combine in just the right way:

  • warm and humid atmosphere;
  • strong jet stream winds;
  • atmospheric wind shear;
  • a mechanism to ignite this violatile mixture of ingredients –a cold front.

 Many folks want to know is if climate change plays a role in those tornadoes, and if the world continues warming, will we see more destructive cyclones like these?  As Bryan Walsh states, even scientists don’t know.  Many of the tornadoes would have been missed by meteorologists in earlier days before Doppler radar and the Weather Channel.  Now, experts could almost never overlook an actual tornado touchdown, no matter how weak or brief.  Warmer temperatures and more moisture will give storm systems  much more energy to play with, like adding nitroglycerin to the atmosphere.  Waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm, and feed moisture northward to storm systems as they move across the country, and when that moisture meets cold, dry air from the Plains, can result in some powerful weather conditions.

We have previously talked about being prepared by having a home safety kit ready.  Last year, I subscribed to a weather alert system from a Dallas TV Station, and it works great.  This system provides us with a timely alert by email, landline, and cell phone.  When both phones start ringing at the same time, we know a familiar meteorologist is giving us warning to seek shelter with information as to a severe thunderstorm watch or warning, or tornado watch or warning.  We must be as prepared as possible, although there may not be time to take anything out of your home but yourself and your pets.  Please do not get in a car to try to outrun a tornado.  Find a safe spot in your home, away from windows, either in a hallway or bathroom.  For any emergency, it’s a good idea to have medications and nonperishable food, along with three days supply of water, ready in a container if you must leave your home.  Keep first aid kits, in your home and car.  If you are outdoors, experts advise you to seek shelter, (storm cellar or basement.)  If that isn’t possible, get in a ditch, or the lowest place you can find, and not under an underpass. 

We must remember that tornadoes and other stormy seasons have always been with us.  We can keep people from being killed by those storms through better forecasting, better building and better emergency preparation.  We have actually improved over the years through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration statistics showing that the number of Americans killed by tornadoes  per capita has steadily declined since the 1920’s.  A warmer world may cause us to experience more severe weather, and a more populated world will mean more people at risk from those events.  Therefore, we need to encourage lawmakers to support vital agencies like the NOAA and National Weather Service in disaster preparation and response, rather than impose budget cuts.  For people in the south and Midwest, these entities’ remaining strong is of the utmost importance.  The entire country needs to know they can count on these important warning services. 

Source: Bryan Walsh,  ABC News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN SAFELY

 I received this email recently and we have previously talked about not using cruise control when it is raining.  We want to repeat that tip, as well as this one:

  GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR 

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.  We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This was told by a police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful….even driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad……  In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will do), and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.  Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend’s life by giving him this idea.  How about a pair of good safety sunglasses?  Those who have tried this method say the gray or green lens seem to work best.  Possibly, the yellow ones would work, too. Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling.  You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the “blindness” from passing semi’s spraying you too.  Or the “kickup” if you are following a semi or car in the rain. They should teach that little tip in driver’s training. It really does work. 

This warning is a good one! I wonder how many people know about this~  A 36 year old female had an accident which totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!  When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know -NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON! She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver’s seat sun-visor – NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – but we don’t tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.  The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.

True story:  A local young man from my home town was traveling down an interstate highway with his girlfriend, when it began to rain heavily.  He was driving at a high speed, when his car hydroplaned; he was ejected from the car and lost his life.  The young lady survived without injury, but this is an example to not drive at an unsafe speed in the rain, and buckle your seat belt at all times.

NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. If you send this your friends that are not aware of this, it is worth it. You may save a life.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ARE WE PREPARED?

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This year, the United States has seen more than its fair share of natural disasters: the beginning of hurricane season, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.  Sometimes, wildfires are natural, because they begin with lightning, or others acts of nature; however, they may be intentionally set.  If you ask all those thousands of citizens who have been affected by any of the above devestation, there’s the possibility that they were not prepared. 

This information from www.ready.gov supports how we and other safety sites have advised you on how to be prepared for these disasters.  Many of the suggestions are the same for each type of occurrence: tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes.  

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms.  They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears.  You must be prepared to act quickly, by planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter.  Tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest; however,  they can happen in any state and at any time of the year; therefore advance preparation is vitally important. 

Hurricanes are usually forecast ahead of time, which gives businesses and individuals time to get ready before they touch land.  Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential.  Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.  

A hurricane or tornado watch means that this event is possible in your area.  Be prepared to evacuate, and listen to your local weather and law enforcement agencies  when they tell you to leave your home.  A hurricane or tornado warning is when this natural disaster is expected in your area.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the most current weather developments. 

Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster.  This can happen in every U.S. state and territory.  Some may develop slowly during rain, or others, such as flash floods can occur quickly.  If you live in a low-lying area, near a lake, or downstream from a dam, it is always important to be prepared for flooding situations.  Never try to drive through flowing water in low places; the current has the power to push your vehicle off the road.

With any or all of these events possible, the same suggestions apply:

Have an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Bottled water;
  • Battery-operated radio;
  • Cell phone;
  • First Aid Kit;
  • Flashlight
  • Important documents and prescription medications;
  • Sleeping bags and pillows and changes of clothing;
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food;
  • Manual can opener and plastic eating utensils;
  • Avoid salty foods that make you thirsty;
  • High energy foods;
  • Food for infants;
  • Pet foods;
  • Crackers, nuts, peanut butter, dry cereal, granola bars, fruit bars. 

Have a Family Emergency Plan.  You may all be scattered if disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact each other, how you will get back together, and what you will do.  Plan places where you can meet.  Out-of-town contacts may be in a better position to communicate among separated families. 

Have a Business Emergency Plan.  Think about how you may keep your business going during times that your building is not accessible.  Consider if you could run your business from a different location or from your home, or develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable. 

Hopefully, you will be spared from any of these disasters, but just in case, think seriously about how you and your family can best be prepared to handle any situation that may arise. 

Source: ready.gov/America/beinformed

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S A WAITING GAME…………

As of this writing, Saturday, August 27th, the Northeast coast of the U.S. is ready and waiting to see what Hurrican Irene does.  Many precautions have been taken, and people seem to be paying attention to the warnings that the authorities have given them to evacuate.  As early as Friday, New York City hospitals were transferring patients to other hospitals or home, if they were able to go,  as long as they are out of harm’s way.

The United States has seen its share of weather abnormalties this year – excessive rain in some parts, and extreme drought in the Southern and Midwestern states.  There’s too much rain in places, and too little in others.  As they say, “feast or famine.”  Last spring, there were tornadoes that devastated communities, and residents are just now beginning to rebuild.  Flooding occurred as a result of heavy snows melting from the mountains.  Another unusual type of disaster – the wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres in Texas and California.  Then, what about the “dust bowl” in Arizona?  Believe me, if you’ve ever lived in a desert area, you know what those dust storms are all about.   So, Mother Nature, what goes?

These are seasonal storms that make their way out of the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico and leave paths of destruction.  TODAY: MONDAY, AUGUST 29TH:  Irene has passed by the Northeastern coast, leaving approximately 21 dead;  and damage estimated at $7 billion.  Irene turned into a tropical storm late Sunday, leaving flooding behindd and possible spawning of tornadoes.  New Yorkers were relieved that it was not like the nightmare authorities feared.  According to today’s Ft Worth Star-Telegram, causes of deaths included water, falling trees, and electricity.  There will be many homes and businesses that must be repaired or rebuilt, but another big challenge is restoring power to the 4.5 million homes and businesses without power.  Travelers have been inconvenienced by delayed flights and other means of transportation.  The light at the end of the tunnel is that most of those involved in this area paid attention to the weather warnings and heeded their advice.

As the news and weather personnel instruct everyone, be prepared.  They are doing their job to warn us in the event of a natural occurrence.  We must do our part to be ready.  As advised, have a plan for your family, where you can go to escape the threat, and have your emergency supplies packed and ready.

  • A 3-day supply of fresh water.
  • Non-perishable food.
  • Important papers.
  • Cell phone and battery charger.
  • Flashlight, and candles in case of power outage.
  • Arrangements for your pets. Take them with you if possible.
  • Extra clothing.
  • Keep your car filled up with gas during threatening weather.

Here we go, complaining (naturally) about the terrible weather conditions that our nation has gone through this past spring and summer.  Then, I think about what our young men and women are going through, wearing all that heavy gear, as they fight their way in hot, dusty, dirty countries.  I feel sure they would love to be in the good old U.S.A., regardless of the threat of storms.  The kind of storm they battle every day is more fierce  than anything we can imagine.

This also brings to mind the horrible earthquake in Japan, and the struggle their citizens are coping with to rebuild parts of their country.  Haiti, another country that had a devastating earthquake, is still coping with the disaster that hit their land.  Again, what is going on with Mother Nature? How about giving Mother Earth a break?

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

AN UNENDING HEAT WAVE!

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Approximately 141 million Americans are living under heat advisories and warnings.  Everywhere you read the news, more and more people are dying because of the heat. High temperatures have already broken records, or are on their way to doing so.  Recently, in some parts of the country, to add insult to injury, there have been destructive and deadly thunderstorms sweeping through.  According to the National Weather Service, heat waves kill more people in the United States than all of the other weather related disasters combined.  The ten-year average – (1997-2006) for heat related deaths in the U.S is 170 in a typical year.  I hope 2011 doesn’t break that record, but I fear that it may.

We often think, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  Actually, it’s both.  Heat waves form when high pressure aloft strengthens and remains over a region for several days up to several weeks.  More common in summer, the jet stream follows the sun.  Summertime weather patterns are generally slower to change than in winter.  This results in a mid-level high pressure moving slowly.  Under high pressure, the air sinks toward the surface.  This sinking air acts as a dome capping the atmosphere.  This darned cap helps to trap heat instead of allowing it to lift.  Without the lift, there is little or no convection and therefore little or no cumulus clouds, with minimal chances for rain.  The end result is a continual build-up of heat at the surface that we experience as a heat wave.  Thanks to the National Weather Service for this information.  I have trouble even following the weatherman when it comes to the technical stuff.  But one thing we all know for sure: IT’S HOT!

Heat Index Chart

The National Weather Service wants to protect life and property by explaining a measure of how the hot weather “feels” to the body.  The Heat Index shows a table, which uses relative humidity and dry bulb temperature to produce the “apparent temperature” or the “temperature the body “feels”.  Remember, these values are for shady locations only.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees F.  Strong winds, especially with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous, as the wind adds heat to the body.

The best advice is to stay inside where it’s cool as much as possible until the weather cools down.  Hopefully, that’s only a few weeks away.  But for those souls who must be outside doing their job, practicing sports, marching in bands, getting ready for school….hopefully, their leaders will do all they can to keep them hydrated.  They must have plenty of water breaks, and when possible, let teams and bands do the practicing at night under lights.  It would be worth more to spend a little money on lights than have a student collapse from the heat, or worse.  So far, the U.S. has had reported deaths of elderly, persons who did not have any type of coolers, children left in cars, athletes, and a high school coach.  The numbers change so often, I wouldn’t even try to report how many so far throughout the country have died from the heat.

Just pay attention to what your weather forecast is, and do all you can to protect yourself from the heat.  Wear a hat, lots of sunscreen, and anything else that will keep you cool.  Don’t walk on hot pavement in sandals.  One lady received 2nd degree burns on both feet when she walked to the grocery store in flip-flops.  It was reported that the pavement was 145 degrees at the time!

Stay cool, pray for rain, and hope that we have an early fall!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SUNSHINE AND CERTAIN MEDICATIONS DON’T MIX!

We have mentioned UVA and UVB rays in several articles and the damage that they can do to your skin and eyes.  Another consideration to factor in is what can happen if you are taking certain medications and are exposed to the sun.  We all worry about skin cancer, but there are other sun illnesses that can occur.  Because of some of the ingredients in certain medications, and depending on the sensitivity of a person, even a very brief exposure to the sun or using a tanning booth or sunlamp can cause a person to experience a burn. 

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, in a recent article in AARP Magazine, there are three types of sun illnesses: phototoxicity, photoallergy and sun-induced eczema.  Also,  Brian Adams, M.D., a University of Cincinnati dermatologist, reports that some of the most common causes of a phototoxic reaction (sunburn) related to medication ingestion are the tetracyclines, (antibiotics).  This is frequently experienced, minutes to hours after UV exposure, causing pain and exacerbated sunburn.  Photoallergy and sun-induced eczema are more rare, and occur either gradually, over time, or one to two days after UV exposure, and can occur to either sun-exposed skin or anywhere on skin.  Their main symptoms are itching and redness, rash, and possibly blistering. 

According to Dr. Oz, dermatologists think long-term, intense sun exposure may alter our skin in such a way that our immune system no longer recognizes it as our own.  Sun-induced eczema occurs when your entire immune system goes haywire, causing itchy, red skin, or in some cases, blisters.  This is more common in older men who have a history of working outdoors, or women who love to sunbathe.  

This is a list of the types of medications that can irritate your skin if you are taking or using:

  • NSAIDS;
  • Antibiotics;
  • Statins;
  • Hypoglycemics;
  • Diuretics;
  • Sunscreens – containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinnamates, benzophenones, salicylates.
  • Fragrances, such as musk ambrette, 6-methylcoumarin, sandalwood. 

Fragrances, you wonder?  A sun allergy, called a photoallergy, comes on more slowly but can be dangerous.  This type of sensitivity usually happens when UV rays convert a chemical, such as a fragrance on your skin, into a substance that your immune system decides to attack, which results in an itchy, red rash that takes several days to go away. 

Experts at the University of Cincinnati report that sunscreen is designed for use under normal circumstances, and certain medications can cause abnormal conditions.  Because we have no preliminary test for knowing what type of reaction a person will have, experience can be hazardous.  The experts say the best defense is to avoid the sun altogether when taking medications recognized as producing an adverse reaction.  If you absolutely have to be out in the sun, take precautions with additional sunscreen and sunblock, paying attention to the face by using zinc oxide on sensitive areas such as the mouth, nose and ears.  Wearing a hat and sun protective clothing is always recommended. 

The American Skin Cancer’s website has a list of medications that can cause adverse reactions to sunlight.  One other thing to remember, (for next winter): some of the worst cases occur in the winter, when skiers, who are on these medications, do not apply any sunscreen to exposed parts of their face because, in part, they think it is too cold to sunburn. 

Source: AARP Magazine

             University of Cincinnati

 

 

 

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Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ALTHOUGH IT’S HOT, IT WILL GET HOTTER! BE READY!

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We hope your Fourth of July celebration went off without a hitch!  No traffic tickets, no sunburn, no fireworks injuries, and or other obstacles in the way of slowing you down to get back to work today, hopefully.  This time of the year is the greatest time for us to enjoy our freedom and show our support for our troops.  As you go through the rest of the summer, keep them in mind and let’s hope they are all back to help us celebrate in the near future.  One thing to remember: it’s even hotter where they are than where we are! 

July is UV Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, and can also damage your eyes.  This is a good time to send the message of safety during sun and fun times.  Those who work in the sun also need to be warned about the damage that UV rays can cause, in order to take precautions to avoid these types of health problems. 

The highest risk for getting skin cancer seems to be for those who have:

  • Blond or red hair;
  • Blue or green eyes;
  • White or light-colored skin with freckles.

Those people especially, but let’s include everyone else to take these steps to prevent skin cancer:

  • Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible;
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Use sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection – “broad spectrum” sunscreen.
  • Cover up with long sleeves and a hat;
  • Check your skin regularly for any changes. 

UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotchy skin.  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  Tanning indoors is not safe, either.  According to Dr. Carol Cola, who works in the Department of Surgery at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, around 90 per cent of skin cancers appear on the neck, head, ears, lips, or hands – areas that are most often exposed to the sun.  Sunburn can happen anywhere – driving a car, through a glass window, or reflections off concrete, sand, or snow. 

To do a self-examination for skin cancer, simply watch for any changes in size or color of freckles, moles, or birthmarks.  If you notice anything different, see your physician or dermatologist.  Recent studies by the Skin Cancer Foundation state that studies have recently indicated that only 23 per cent of damage from UV exposure happens to most young people by the age of 18 – not the 80 per cent that was formerly thought to be.  This shows that there is benefit to be gained for persons of any age, to protect themselves from damaging rays.  It still is important that we use sunscreen on our children and sunshades that will protect their eyes. 

UVA and UVB rays can hurt your eyes.  This type of radiation can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and some cancers.  The use of proper types of sunshades can help prevent this from happening.  It’s always been “cool” to wear sunshades, just be sure you purchase polarized ones that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Everyone at work in should get involved in spreading the message that damage from the sun can be very harmful, even deadly!  Posters need to be placed right by the doors before workers step out into that hot sun.  Companies could ask a health professional to demonstrate how to check skin regularly for skin-cancer warning signs.  A local dermatologist, registered nurse, or public health official would be happy to help educate your employees about the dangers of skin cancer.  Place a memo in their paychecks to remind them to do all they can to protect their skin and eyes from radiation from the sun.  

We hope this will serve as a reminder to all of you to try to stay as cool as possible this summer – it is already a scorcher!   There are many products that can help protect you, so take advantage of them.