Tag Archives: SPF

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

TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?

It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IDEAS ABOUT UV PROTECTION

We haven’t forgotten that July is UV Protection Month, a reminder to all of us to protect our eyes and skin!  It is most important that we do everything we can to preserve our vision.  It is unimaginable to think about being without the gift of sight, or facing malenoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

You have heard  about the types of UV rays, but let’s review them again:

UV-C rays are the most harmful, but are blocked by the ozone layer.  If they ever reach the earth’s surface, they could cause serious health concerns.  UV-B rays have high doses which cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.  Other age-related signs of too much sun are wrinkles and skin discoloration.  UV-A rays can pass through the cornea, reaching the lens and retina inside the eye.  Overexposure of these rays is linked to certain types of cataracts, and development of macular degeneration.  Both these types of rays are shielded by the ozone layer, therefore, they are not as harmful as UV-C.  Because of weather changes, and seasons, however, we must be mindful that there may be some depletion of the ozone layer.

It is very important to remind you to select sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.  Also be sure that the lens are free from distortion and any imperfections.  Wrap-around styles allow more protection to the sides of the face.  It is of the utmost importance to protect children’s eyes from these rays, as well.  They need to wear glasses that contain the same element of protection as an adult’s,  not toy ones.  Much of the damage from the sun happens during childhood, only to show up later in life.  It goes without saying that in addition to sunglasses, suncreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used often while anyone is in the sun, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, or using an umbrella, if sitting outdoors.

Those who work outside should take precautions to wear eye protection and other types of personal protective equipment.  There are special sunshields that fit hardhats that help protect the face from the sun.

The following UV Index helps explain the stages of exposure to rays:

  • 2 or Less =   Low, for average person.  On hot days, persons should still wear glasses and sunscreen.
  • 3 to 5 =           Moderate.  Use the shadow test.  In early morning or late afternoon if you are taller than your shadow, UV exposure is likely to be low.  If your shadow is shorter around mid-day, levels of UV are higher.
  • 6-7=                  High.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the worst time to be outdoors.  Be sure to use at least 15 SPF sunscreen, and often.
  • 8-10=                Very high.  Because your skin will burn quickly, take extra precautions.
  • 11+ =                  Extreme.  Stay out of the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible.

Another thing to remember, if you are around sand or water, is that reflections can damage your eyes.  Reflections from snow almost double that from sand.  Persons with darker skin and eyes  need to protect their eyes the same as more fair persons.

There’s no way we can be immune from the dangers of overexposure from UV rays.  But we can take all the precautions possible to avoid damage to our eyes and skin.