Sun Safety Sarah Newman

Ken Jones
Marisa DeLuca
Julie Schaefer

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes (CDC,

2016). UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from

the sun (SCF, 2013). It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the

naked eye (SCF, 2013). These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC, with UVA the

longest of the three. Most UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth

(SCF, 2013). Both UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in

conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancers (SCF, 2013). They also

suppress the immune system (SCF, 2013). UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV

radiation reaching the Earth's surface (SCF, 2013). Although they are less intense than UVB,

UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent (SCF, 2013). They are present with relatively equal

intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass (SCF,

2013). UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a

major part in skin aging and wrinkling (SCF, 2013). UVA contributes to and may even initiate

the development of skin cancers (SCF, 2013). UVA is the dominant tanning ray, and we now

know that tanning, whether outdoors or in a salon, causes cumulative damage over time (SCF,

2013). A tan result from injury to the skin's DNA; the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to

prevent further DNA damage (SCF, 2013). These imperfections, or mutations, can lead to skin

cancer (SCF, 2013). UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the

skin's more superficial epidermal layers (SCF, 2013). It plays a key role in the development of

skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photo aging (SCF, 2013). Its intensity varies

by season, location, and time of day (SCF, 2013). The most significant amount of UVB hits the
U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October (SCF, 2013). However, UVB rays can

burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces

such as snow or ice, which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin

twice (SCF, 2013). UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass (SCF, 2013).

Since the advent of modern sunscreens, a sunscreen's efficacy has been measured by its

sun protection factor, or SPF (SCF, 2013). SPF is not an amount of protection per se; Rather, it

indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using a sunscreen, compared to

how long skin would take to redden without the product (SCF, 2013). For instance, someone

using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will take 15 times longer to redden than without the

sunscreen (SCF, 2013). An SPF 15 sunscreen screens 93 percent of the sun's UVB rays; SPF 30

protects against 97 percent; and SPF 50, 98 percent (SCF, 2013). The Skin Cancer Foundation

maintains that SPFs of 15 or higher are necessary for adequate protection. Since both UVA and

UVB are harmful, you need protection from both kinds of rays to make sure you're getting

effective UVA as well as UVB coverage (SCF, 2013). You can reduce your risk of skin damage

and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief

from the sun (CDC, 2016). Put on broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go

outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days (CDC, 2016). Don’t forget to put a thick layer on

all parts of exposed skin (CDC, 2016). Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back (CDC,

2016). And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options to prevent UV

damage (CDC, 2016). Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering

sunlight (CDC, 2016). They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV

rays (CDC, 2016). All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one

product, try another one or call a doctor (CDC, 2016). Sunscreen wears off; Put it on again if you
stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off (CDC,

2016). Check the sunscreen’s expiration date (CDC, 2016). Sunscreen without an expiration date

has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to

high temperatures (CDC, 2016). Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same

chemicals used in sunscreens (CDC, 2016). If they do not have at least SPF 15, don't use them by

themselves (CDC, 2016).

Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when

you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade (CDC, 2016). When possible, long-sleeved shirts

and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays (CDC, 2016). A wet T-shirt offers

much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter

colors (CDC, 2016). If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt

or a beach cover-up (CDC, 2016). Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower

than 15, so use other types of protection as well (CDC, 2016). For the most protection, wear a hat

with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck (CDC,

2016). Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through (CDC, 2016). A darker hat may offer

more UV protection (CDC, 2016). If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears

and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at

least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade (CDC, 2016). Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV

rays and reduce the risk of cataracts (CDC, 2016). They also protect the tender skin around your

eyes from sun exposure (CDC, 2016). Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the

best protection (CDC, 2016). Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet

this standard (CDC, 2016). Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from

sneaking in from the side (CDC, 2016).

 Indoor tanning exposes users to two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, which damage the

skin and can lead to cancer (CDC, 2016). Tanning booths primarily emit UVA (SCF, 2013). The

high-pressure sunlamps used in tanning salons emit doses of UVA as much as 12 times that of

the sun (SCF, 2013). Not surprisingly, people who use tanning salons are 2.5 times more likely

to develop squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma

(SCF, 2013). According to recent research, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases

melanoma risk by 75 percent (SCF, 2013). Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger

users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk

of getting melanoma (CDC, 2016). Every time you tan you increase your risk of getting skin

cancer (CDC, 2016). Indoor tanning also causes premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age

spots, changes your skin texture, and increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases, if eye

protection is not used (CDC, 2016). Although indoor tanning devices operate on a timer, the

exposure to UV rays can vary based on the age and type of light bulbs (CDC, 2016). Indoor

tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time (CDC, 2016). You can

get a burn from tanning indoors, and even a tan indicates damage to your skin (CDC, 2016). A

tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays (CDC, 2016). A base tan does little to protect

you from future damage to your skin caused by UV exposure (CDC, 2016). In fact, people who

indoor tan are more likely to report getting sunburned (CDC, 2016). Although it is important to

get enough vitamin D, the safest way to do so is through what you eat (CDC, 2016). Tanning

harms your skin, and the amount of UV exposure you need to get enough vitamin D is hard to

measure because it is different for every person and also varies with the weather, latitude,

altitude, and more (CDC, 2016).

 In today’s western society having tanned skin is sought after by many. The bronze glow

symbolizes higher economic status, health, and above all beauty. This trend began in popularity

in the 1920’s and has grown into a multimillion dollar industry with the use of indoor tanning.

The indoor tanning business has been one of the fastest growing industries in the United States,

with $5 billion in estimated annual revenue (Woo, 2010). Although it was once advertised as a

safe alternative to sun exposure studies have shown a significant link between indoor tanning and

skin cancers among other health concerns. Thirty-five percent of American adults, 59 percent of

college students, and 17 percent of teens have reported using a tanning bed in their lifetime

(AAD, 2016). The individuals that utilize indoor tanning services are most commonly young,

non-Hispanic, white females. Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and

young women, and melanoma is increasing faster in women 15-29 years old than in young men

of the same age (AAD, 2016). In 1988, as few as 1% of American adults reported using indoor

tanning facilities, and by 2007, that percent reporting use had increased to 27% (Woo, 2010).

According to recent research, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by

75 percent (SCF, 2013). Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who

begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of getting

melanoma (CDC, 2016). Every time you tan you increase your risk of getting skin cancer (CDC,

2016). Indoor tanning also causes premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots, changes

your skin texture, and increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases, if eye protection is

not used (CDC, 2016). Although indoor tanning devices operate on a timer, the exposure to UV

rays can vary based on the age and type of light bulbs (CDC, 2016). Indoor tanning is designed

to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time (CDC, 2016). You can get a burn from

tanning indoors, and even a tan indicates damage to your skin (CDC, 2016). A tan is the body’s
response to injury from UV rays (CDC, 2016). A base tan does little to protect you from future

damage to your skin caused by UV exposure (CDC, 2016). In fact, people who indoor tan are

more likely to report getting sunburned (CDC, 2016). There are arguments that suggest indoor

tanning is beneficial to one’s health, with an emphasis on the increased production of Vitamin D,

which plays a role in many disease processes. Indoor tanning companies stress the fact that the

only way a person’s body can produce vitamin D is through UV rays. The key word here is

produce. Although itis important to get enough vitamin D, the safest way to do so is through

what you eat (CDC, 2016). Tanning harms your skin, and the amount of UV exposure you need

to get enough vitamin D is hard to measure because itis different for every person and also varies

with the weather, latitude, altitude, and more (CDC, 2016). Skin types are divided into six

categories with the first being the most susceptible to damage and the last being the least

susceptible. People with skin type I are at a particularly high risk and should try to avoid

exposure to UV. People who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have: Pale

skin; Blonde, red, or light brown hair; Been treated for skin cancer; A family member who’s had

skin cancer (FDA, 2016). However, everyone is at risk for suffering the harmful effects of UV

rays. The federal government has recognized the dangers of indoor tanning and has taken steps to

discourage patrons from the use of indoor tanning equipment. The American Academy of

Dermatology Association, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration,

Indoor Tanning Association, National Cancer Institute, and the National Council on Skin Cancer

Prevention, have each made recommendations regarding the use of tanning devices—from

requiring parental consent for minors to banning all use by children under age 18 (NCSL, 2016).

Thirteen states and one territory (California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois,

Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Vermont and
Washington) ban the use of ultraviolet tanning devices by anyone under age 18 (NCSL, 2016).

Ohio has recently updated the law in effect, stating that anyone under the age of 16 must be

accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for each visit. In addition, a consent from must be

obtained for individuals that are 16 and 17 years of age. The consent form signed by a parent or

legal guardian, every 90 days and the individual is restricted to no more than 45 visits within the

time frame.

Darker skin produces more of the pigment called melanin that does help protect skin, but

only to a certain extent (SCF, 2013). People of color can still get sunburned, and they can also

develop skin cancer from UV damage (SCF, 2013). It’s of concern that 65 percent of African

American participants in a survey said they never used sunscreen (SCF, 2013). Additionally,

certain skin cancers are caused by factors other than UV, such as genetics or environmental

influences, and may occur on parts of the body rarely exposed to the sun (SCF, 2013). For

example, people who have dark skin are more susceptible to acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM),

an especially dangerous form of melanoma that typically appears on the palms of the hands and

soles of the feet (The Jamaican singer and musician Bob Marley died of ALM when he was only

36.) (SCF, 2013). Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

Every year, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer, at a cost of about $8

billion. Melanoma causes around 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S. (CDC, 2016). Men, especially

those with lighter skin, are more likely than anybody else to get skin cancer, including

melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer (CDC, 2016). About one-third of U.S. adults get

sunburned each year (CDC, 2016). Sunburn, which can increase your risk of getting skin cancer,

is common among white men, young adults, and men who tan indoors (CDC, 2016). When
outside on a sunny day for more than an hour, only about 14% of men use sunscreen on both

their face and other exposed skin (CDC, 2016).

It’s crucial to detect skin cancer early, when it is easiest to treat and most likely to be

cured (SCF, 2013). Warning signs include a bump, patch, sore or growth that bleeds, oozes,

crusts, doesn’t heal or lasts longer than a month (SCF, 2013). This may indicate basal cell

carcinoma (SCF, 2013). An ulcer, scaly red patch, wart-like growth or sore that sometimes crusts

or bleeds could be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma (SCF, 2013). This type of skin cancer can

also develop in old scars or areas of previous physical trauma or inflammation (SCF, 2013). New

or existing moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, more than one color, are larger

than a pencil eraser or change in any way may indicate melanoma (SCF, 2013). Pay special

attention to suspicious spots on the hands, soles of the feet or under the nails, which could

signify ALM (SCF, 2013).

Skin cancer is the result of damaged DNA cells. Once the cells become damaged they

grow uncontrollably forming a tumor. Skin cancer usually develops in different layers of the

epidermis so it is more easily detectable than most cancers. It is considered the most common

form of cancer in the world (Qadir, 2016). There are more than 1 million new cases diagnosed

annually. Every 20 seconds someone is diagnosed with skin cancer (Siegel,2016). Skin cancer is

caused by both environmental and non-environmental sources. The cancer is often caused by

excessive exposure to sun specifically through the exposure of ultraviolet rays which are so

harmful to the skin, they can damage the DNA. When the skin gets burned damage can occur

and before the body can fully recover the damage mutation occurs and damage becomes

irreparable (Qadir, 2016). This is usually the result of not wearing sunscreen to protect your

skin. Another cause could be pure genetics. The most common type of cancer that is inherited is
usually Melanoma. Cancer types are usually named from the cell it affects. Cancer is categorized

into two types: non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma consists of Basal Cell

Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The last type of cancer is melanoma which is the

most serious form of skin cancer (Qadir, 2016).

The first type of cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma. It is considered the most common form

of skin cancer. It affects the Basal skin cells which is the lowest layer of skin. It is caused by the

exposure of sun. The most common areas are of the face and scalp but it is not limited to other

parts of the body. Some symptoms include a swelling smooth surface most often on the neck and

facial area. A tumor forms and it is often accompanied by bleeding. Usually it looks like an open

sore with a small pink growth. It is considered the most treatable type of cancer usually treated

with surgery. Depending on the severity it could be treated with chemotherapy and radiation as

well. Typically people who have this cancer usually have a positive outcome (Qadir, 2016).

The second type of cancer is called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It is a cancer affecting the

squamous cells of the skin and is considered a less common cancer than basal cell. It is

developed on areas most exposed by sunlight. While is can spread throughout the body, it is

mostly located on dry, rough parts of the skin. Symptoms include a blackish yellow spot. They

appear to look like warts, scaly patches, or sores. The tumor feels hard in appearance. Treatment

depending on the stage consists of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery (Qadir, 2016)

The last type of cancer is called Melanoma. It a cancer of the melanocytes and is

considered the most lethal skin cancer. This cancer is capable of spreading to the lymphatic

system. While it can occur in all age groups it is most common with the elderly population. This

cancer is rare. It is often linked to genetics having a family history of this type of cancer. It also

increases 75% when tanning devices are used before the age of 30 (Siegel, 2016). It can occur
anywhere on the body exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include a mole like tumor that is multi-

colored, asymmetrical, and a size often 6mm or larger. Treatment consists of anti-cancer drugs,

chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery (Qadir, 2016). It often does not have a good outcome if not

treated in time because it can spread to the lymph nodes

The most common skin cancers can be prevented by a few lifestyle changes. It is

important to reduce the exposure to sunlight, avoid tobacco, and smoking. It is important to use

sunscreen in order to avoid UV radiation (Qadir, 2016). It is important to be aware of the facts of

skin cancer and to look for the proper signs of cancer such as asymmetry, border irregularity,

color change, a diameter larger than 6mm, and evolving in shape, size, and texture (Siegel,2016).