Why was the UV Index Developed? In 1994, the National Weather Service (WSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), jointly decided to create the UV Index to help Americans plan for outdoor activities and avoid overexposure to harmful UV radiation. The risks to overexposure to UV radiation include, and are not limited to, skin cancer, cataracts, premature aging, and even...
Both SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) are standards used to measure sunburn protection. SPF, the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreens, has been around for many years. The UPF system is relatively new and was created specially for sun protective fabrics. At first, American sun protective fabrics were rated using the SPF standard until...
Sun exposure during childhood appears to set the stage for the development of both melanoma and other skin problems later in life. Not only is young skin more vulnerable to damage by the UV rays of the sun but people on average get 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by age 18. In Australia, the skin cancer capital of the...
Thinking about sun protection doesn’t stop at the end of summer. Parents need to remember that children need to be protected against exposure to dangerous UV rays as they head back to school. Sun exposure can occur during recess, physical education classes, field trips, and fall sports activities. But it is important to remember that children are also exposed to...
We all know it is important to have healthy skin. Since more than 1/3 of all skin cancer appears on the face and the number one culprit for wrinkles and premature aging is the sun, wearing a good sun protective hat is a preventative measure too important to miss. A sunburn is never good , but remember sun damage is...
Learn how to stay protected from sun UV rays while outdoors, especially for those with Lupus A number of years ago I received the following email. "Hi, my name is Bonnie and I have lupus. I love to fish but am highly sun-sensitive. I've not been able to fish for 5 years." Being a fellow fisherperson, Bonnie's email tugged at...
