SUN FACTS AND SAFETY TIPS FROM PROTECT-A-BUB

Facts About Sun Exposure*

FACT: Unprotected exposure to the sun in the first 15 years of life more than doubles the chances of getting skin cancer as an adult.

FACT: Nearly 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18.

FACT: 90% of all skin cancers can be attributed to UV ray damage to skin cells.

FACT: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the USA today.

FACT: UV rays cannot be felt and are present whether or not it is hot outside.

FACT: It takes less than 11 minutes for the sun to irreparably damage your skin.

FACT: The ear, nose, lip and eye areas are very susceptible to skin cancer.

FACT: A sun tan is a sign that the skin is already damaged. A sun tan does not protect the skin from further sun damage.

FACT: Sun tans and sun burns increase your risk of skin cancer.

FACT: UV is transmitted every day, even in winter. It takes longer to burn during the winter months, but sun damage occurs even on cloudy days.

FACT: Beware of UV rays reflected off of sand, water, snow, concrete or any light surface.

FACT: Babies do not require direct exposure to the sun; they receive enough vitamin "D" to help aid the growth of bones and calcium from indirect sunlight.

FACT: Babies are very sensitive to the sun's UV rays.

*Information compiled from The Skin Cancer Foundation and The Cancer Council Australia: Fact Sheet: Sun Protection and Babies: updated March 2004, www.sunsmart.com.au.