Sun Safety FAQs
Why can't everyone just use sunscreen?
It is very fortunate that sunscreen products are available for use as a second
line of defense. However, sunscreens sometimes fail, usually attributable to
user error, which can result in unintentional sunburn. By contrast, clothing
is:
- Cost effective —
A garment costs about the same as one or two bottles of sunscreen,
but lasts much longer
- On average, a more effective UV blocker —
Less prone to “missed spots” or “under application”
- Dependable —
Doesn’t wash off, rub off, dissipate, penetrate, or expire
- Not messy — Spillproof
- Not an irritant —
Doesn’t cause eye irritation or acne
- Quicker to apply —
Covers large areas in a hurry
What is the UV Index?
The UV index is an international standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet
(UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. It
is a scale primarily used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public.
Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light,
of which excessive exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts,
skin aging, and skin cancer (see the section health effects of ultraviolet
light). Public-health organizations recommend that people protect themselves
(for example, by applying sunscreen to the skin, wearing uv protective clothing
and wearing a hat) when the UV index is 3 or higher. For more information,
go to http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.
Are the sun’s rays more intense at higher altitudes?
UV radiation increases 4% for every 1000 foot increase in elevation (i.e. UV radiation is 20% more intense at 5000 feet than at sea level)>
Can I get sunburned from the sun reflecting on a surface?
UV rays that are reflected can be just as damaging as direct exposure
- Sand/concrete reflects 25% UV radiation
- Snow reflects 85% UV radiation
- Water reflects 100% UV radiation
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
- UVA rays have long wavelengths and penetrate deeply while UVB rays have
short wavelengths and are the primary cause of sunburns
- UVA rays damage skin’s connective tissues leading to premature aging and
contributing to skin cancer development while UVB rays are the primary contributor
to skin cancer development
- UVA rays pass through window glass while UVB rays are blocked by window
glass
Make sure your sunscreen is a “broad spectrum” sunscreen
which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
What is UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) vs. SPF (Sun Protection
Factor)?
Both are measures of sunburn protection. SPF is used in reference to sunscreens
while UPF is used for sun protective fabrics. SPF is a measure of the additional
factor beyond the natural amount of time that a person can withstand the sun
before getting burned. If a person can stay in the sun for 10 minutes before
getting sunburned and applies an SPF 15 sunscreen, then that person should
be able to remain in the sun without getting sunburned for 150 minutes (10
minutes x SPF 15 = 150). SPF indicates protection against UVB rays but is not
an indicator of UVA protection. UPF measures how much of the sun’s rays are
penetrating a garment. A UPF 50 rating means that the fabric only allows 1/50th
(2%) of the sun’s UV rays to pass through it and blocks out 98% of UV rays.
UPF protection applies to both UVA and UVB rays.