Sun Safety and UV / UVA / UVB Protection

According to the World Health Organization, the global rise of skin cancers over past decades is related to an increasingly popular outdoor recreational lifestyle, and the depletion of the ozone layer, which provides a protective filter against UVA & UVB solar radiation. The good news here...Experts believe four out of five cases of skin cancer can be prevented, as UVA & UVB damage is clearly avoidable when you use our sun protective clothing, hats, and gear.

While very small amounts of UV rays are beneficial and necessary for the production of vitamin D, we are now aware that excessive or unsafe sun exposure can cause skin damage, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer including eye damage. We all must protect ourselves by wearing adequate and effective UVA & UVB protective clothing, headwear, sunglasses and sunscreens. However, there are some common misconceptions regarding the risks and results of UV radiation exposure. Please read from our sun protection resources below:

Medical Sun Safety Articles, Government Studies, OSHA Health & Safety Topics

Each link opens a new browser window. You will stay connected to AZUVeto.com

• Ozone Hole Watch - NASA - Global View of The Growing Hole in Our Ozone Layer
• Sun Safety... Save Your Skin - Articles from the FDA Sun Safety.
• University of Arizona - Risk Mgmt. & Safety-See Guidance Document
• Local OSHA Phoenix Arizona Office Documentation and Plan Information.
• OSHA HEALTH & SAFETY TOPICS - PPE.
• OSHA - PPE- Personal Protective Equipment - Standards & Hazard Assessment.
• Sun & Your Skin - Articles From the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Road to Healthy Skin - Article From The Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Website that shows the Daily UV index.

Common Myths About Sun Tanning, Sun Bathing, & Sun Exposure...

False Notions The truth about sun damage A sun tan is healthy. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the body's defense against further damage from UV radiation. No need to cover up on a cloudy day... Up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover. You cannot get sun burnt while in the water. Water offers only minimal protection from UV rays, and reflected UV radiation from the surface of the water can significantly increase your exposure. The sun does not feel hot so I will not get sun burnt... UV radiation cannot be felt on the skin, the heat from the sun is produced by infrared rays; therefore, skin damage can occur without us being aware it is happening. Windburn can cause skin to burn. On a windy day you are probably feeling cooler and not so likely to consider protecting your skin from UV. What is often described as windburn is actually sunburn. You will not burn if sitting in the shade of a tree or beach umbrella. You may not be adequately protected. The reflection and atmospheric scattering of UV indicates that if you can see a lot of open sky you still must cover up. I do not need to be concerned with UV protection on a winter holiday or ski vacation. Reflection from snow can double your overall UV exposure, especially at high altitude where the atmosphere is thinner and absorbs less UV radiation.

• Outdoor workers or sports enthusiasts are 70% more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) than their colleagues who work indoors.
  
• UV levels vary throughout the day. The higher the sun is in the sky the more intense the UV radiation; remember “short shadow - high UV”. If possible spend your time outdoors before 10am or after 4pm.
  
• Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow the active ingredients time to adhere to the skin and form an effective barrier to UVR. Sunscreen must be re-applied often, especially after working, swimming, or exercising outdoors or after swimming. Purchase Sun Screens (click to view products)
  
• Many surfaces reflect a high amount of UV. Wearing a normal hat while kayaking, for example, will not stop the damage caused by UV reflecting off the water.
  
• Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. 2,500 people die every year in the UK from skin cancer.
  
• For more information about the hazards of UV radiation go to the World Health Organization website www.who.int.

Australians and Arizonans are particularly at risk due to our similar geographical locations, large number of clear sky days, depletion of the ozone layer over the Antarctic, and finally our outdoor lifestyle and a large fair-skinned population. It is little wonder that UVeto Australia (and now UVeto Arizona lead the way in providing top quality UV protective products that are practical, stylish, and comfortable to wear. Our shirts will soon be featured as we are working on the images here in Phoenix Arizona.

At work or leisure, anyone who spends time in outdoors exposed to the UV and UVA rays will benefit from taking a further look at our unique range of products. If you have any ideas please feel free to complete our feedback section on the contact page.

Text content from UVeto.com / AZUVeto.com - Australia's Government Approved Top Sun UVA UVB Solar & Sun Safety Experts.