Sun Protection 101: A Complete Guide to Skin Damage Prevention OHS | 06.01.2020 by Alsie Nelson Those who do not respect the sun’s almighty powers may
radiation—specifically, sunburn. Redness, heat and pain are
ultimately find themselves in a world of skin damage.
the body’s attempt to repair skin cell DNA that has been
The sun. You know, the life-enabling center of our universe
mutated by UV photons. A long-term build of unrepaired
and a muse for everyone from The Beatles to Sheryl Crow.
cells is what can ultimately become skin cancer.
But for all it giveth, it taketh away—and those who do
SUN DAMAGE PREVENTION
not respect the sun’s almighty powers may ultimately find themselves in a world of skin damage.
IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT SUN PROTECTION Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with cases increasing by nearly 10 percent each year. One in five Americans will develop it in their
Now for the good news. Though skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it’s also one of the most preventable. A simple combination of sunscreen, protective clothing and shade can drastically decrease the risk of cancer and skin damage. And for those still thinking “Whatever, man, my suntan is a badge of honor” after reading the above, you are not cool—you are stupid.
lifetime, making it more common than all other forms of
Not sorry.
cancer combined.
And the experts at OSHA agree, recommending the
The likelihood of developing skin cancer for those who
following for sun-exposed workers:
work outdoors is 3.5 times higher than for those who do
• Cover up with loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants
not. The sun damage risk on worksites is so high OSHA has identified UV as a carcinogen. With skin cancer expenses exponentially increasing (more than $8 billion spent annually), treatment costs are detrimental to both workers
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 • Wear a wide brim hat to protect neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp
and their employers.
• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses
That’s all pretty staggering, but what really causes it? Ninety
• Limit exposure—UV rays are most intense between
percent of skin cancer diagnoses are directly attributed
10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
to long-term overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV)
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