SUN SAFETY

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MAIN (Return to Top)

It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be taken as something insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of people who are sunburn each year. Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done.

SUNSCREEN (Return to Top)

• If you cannot cover up, use a sunscreen, which has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure it has both Ultra Violet-A (UVA) and Ultra Violet-B (UVB) protection.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, as well as after swimming, paying particular attention to the most exposed parts of your body - the face, neck, ears, shoulders, back, knees, and tops of feet.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the bottle or tube of sunscreen. Check for the expiration date on the product.
• If applying more than one substance (e.g., sunscreen and insect repellant) on your skin, always put the sunscreen on first and wait 30 minutes before applying the second substance.
• Remember that no sunscreen offers 100% protection. Apply sunscreen and then cover up with a hat, long-sleeve shirt, and pants.

SUNBATHING (Return to Top)

• Limit the time you spend in the sun. Set a timer or alarm if you think you may fall asleep.
• Do not over do it when the weather starts to turn warm. Begin with 15 minutes a day, then slowly increase the time you spend in the sun.
• Don't wait for skin to change color or feel uncomfortable before covering up or applying protective lotion. Observe personal time limits for sun exposure.
• Use a beach umbrella for extra sun protection.
• Use liberal amounts of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, even on cloudy days.
• If you're spending a day at the beach, the pool or working outside, cover up with a waterproof sunscreen. After swimming, and/or vigorous activity, be sure to reapply sunscreen.

GENERAL SUN SAFETY (Return to Top)

To avoid sunburn and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays:

• Select shaded areas for outdoor activities.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing, a long sleeved shirt, long pants when you plan to spend long periods of time outdoors.
• If you are unable to cover up for some reason, use a sunscreen with a SPF of a least 15.
• Avoid tanning altogether or at least avoid tanning for long periods, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months.
• Avoid using sun lamps.
• Apply lip balm with sunscreen. Reapply frequently.
• Don't forget to block the sun year-round, including cloudy days.
• Be cautious when using a garden hose that has been exposed to the sun. The standing water can be extremely hot and could cause serious burns. Let the water run and pre-test the temperature.
• Be cautious of metal and plastic playground equipment that is exposed to direct sun. Contact burns can easily occur.
• Sand or asphalt can severely burn your feet. Always bring footwear to the beach.

INFANTS, CHILDREN AND SUNBURN (Return to Top)

Common sense tells us that babies have sensitive skin that can be damaged easily. This is especially true when babies are exposed to the sun.

• Babies are not born with a developed skin protection system, so they burn more easily. Even children born to parents with deeply dark pigmented skin require maximum protection.
• Babies have more sensitive skin because the outer most layer of their skin is thinner than the skin on adults.
• A young child has more skin relative to his body mass than an adult does, so a sunburn will be more serious.
• Babies cannot tell you if they are too hot or if the sun is too bright. Your baby may begin to cry and you may not know whether he or she is tired, hungry or hot.
• Babies cannot move themselves out of the sunlight. A six month old on a blanket is less mobile then a one year old who can crawl into the shade.

Ways to protect your baby and child from sun-related injuries:

• Keep babies less than one year of age out of direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and dehydration.
• Remember that a child's skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's and needs extra protection from damaging rays.
• Don't let infants or young children play or sleep in the sun in a playpen, carriage, stroller, etc.
• Don't let young children stay in the sun for long periods, even when wearing sunscreen.
• Place babies in the shade, under a tree, an umbrella or a stroller canopy.
• Keep in mind that a wet T-shirt offers only minimal protection.
• Apply PABA-free sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30, 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if children are playing in the water.
• Do not apply sunscreen to babies under six months of age. Keep them out of the sun.
• Dress young children and babies in light-colored, lightweight clothing, and always cover the head with a broad-brimmed hat. Dress your child in protective clothing. Comfortable long pants, long sleeved shirt and broad-brimmed hats offer excellent protection against the sun. Closely woven materials are best. If a fabric is sheer enough that you can see through it, then the sun's rays will get through also.
• Get your children used to wearing sunscreen and protecting clothing.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.