Earth Gauge: UV-Aware
by Charles Daniel
CBS 42 News
2008-07-18 05:44:00.0
|
|
| |
|
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes sunburn and other health effects, including skin cancer and cataracts. Everyone should protect themselves from the sun, and some groups can be particularly susceptible to health effects from sun exposure:
- Kids: About 25 percent of a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs before the age of 18, meaning that it is especially important to protect children - who may not know how to properly protect themselves - from sun exposure.
- Gardeners and Farmers: The National Gardening Association found that the average gardener spends 2.8 hours per week in the garden. Because they spend lots of time outside, gardeners and farmers can be more at-risk for skin cancer.
- Older Individuals: Older people's skin cells are less able to repair DNA damage caused by exposure to the sun. There is also evidence that UV-B radiation from the sun puts older people at increased risk of developing cataracts.
Viewer Tip: When possible, work and play outside during the cooler parts of the day - before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. - and remember that it is possible to burn on a cloudy day, even when the sun doesn't seem bright. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen liberally and often, and wear protective clothing - hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
Added Bonus: Gardening in the early morning or evening is better for your plants, too! Water evaporates more quickly in the sun, so watering during the cooler parts of the day means your plants retain more water. Transplants will also fare better if performed during cooler parts of the day, when there is less stress from the sun's heat.
|
