Departments

Health and Human Services

Bucks County Health Department

-- Main -- BioTerrorism -- Bureau of Personal Health -- Bureau of Environmental Health --

July is UV Safety Month

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is emitted by the sun.  While some UV radiation is essential for health and well-being, too much can cause health problems.  UV radiation stimulates the production of Vitamin D in the body which plays a critical role in bone development and immune function.  A little sun exposure is good for you, however 5-15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week is sufficient to keep your Vitamin D levels high, therefore it is unlikely that healthy adults will suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.  It is important to understand the possible effects of UV exposure and how to protect yourself during summer sun-filled activities.

Many people believe that a tan gives them a healthy glow; however there is no such thing as a healthy tan.  The skin produces a darker color pigment to try to shield itself from the damaging UV radiation.  A suntan is a sign that your skin has been damaged by UV radiation and is trying to protect itself.  High doses of UV radiation kill skin cells in the upper layer of skin. 

UV radiation can also prematurely age the skin, making it sag and wrinkle.  UV radiation can cause a thickening of the outer layer of skin along with disturbing the tissue underneath the skin causing the skin to gradually loose its elasticity.  The loss of elasticity can cause wrinkles, sags, and bags.  Overexposure to the sun’s rays can also cause skin to dry out resulting in a coarse and leathery appearance.

In addition to altering the appearance and feel of skin, overexposure to UV radiation leading to sunburns can increase one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer.  Some skin cancers (non-melanoma skin cancers) are not usually fatal and can be treated however treatment often leaves a scar and can be painful.  Other skin cancers (melanoma skin cancers) if left untreated can develop tumors and spread throughout the body.  If you have a mole, freckle, or spot that you are concerned about please see your doctor.  Any mole that grows, changes in shape or color, is inflamed or itchy, weeps or bleeds should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. 

By following a few simple suggestions, you can enjoy the summer sun and protect your body from overexposure to UV radiation.  Most UV damage is avoidable by these few simple steps:

• Limit time in the midday sun
  • UV radiation is strongest between 10am – 4pm daily
• Watch the UV index
  • Take special precautions and limit outdoor activity when the UV index is high
• Seek shade
  • While it may not offer compete protection, during the most intense hours of UV exposure it will offer some protection 
  • “Watch your shadow- Short shadow, seek shade
• Wear protective clothing
  • Hat, sunglasses, tight-woven loosely fitting clothing
• Use sunscreen
  • SPF 15+ liberally and reapply after 2 hours or activity
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds