How much danger do children face from the sun?

Human exposure to increased Ultraviolet (UV) levels can result in more sunburns, premature skin aging, skin cancers, cataracts and other eye diseases. Some researchers have shown that exposure to UV radiation can also affect the immune system. It is now common knowledge that the damage the sun causes to our skin adds up year after year. By the time we are adults, many of us will have soaked up more than enough ultraviolet rays to cause skin cancer. In fact, the incidence of skin cancer in the B.C. population has doubled in the last 15 years!

Much of our exposure to UV rays happens before we turn 18. And since the earth's ozone layer is thinning, even higher levels of UV radiation can be expected in the years ahead, even though efforts are being made by government agencies around the world to correct this problem.

What does this mean for our young people, who spend large amounts of time out in the sun, particularly during the hot days of summer?

The answer is simple: by protecting children from the sun you can significantly reduce their chances of developing skin cancer.

What about sunglasses?

The same UV rays that harm the skin can also cause injury to the eyes, with infants and children being particularly susceptible to this kind of damage. Standards for sunglasses have improved dramatically in the last few years, and virtually all brands are effective at screening or reflecting ultraviolet light. Look for stickers that say the lenses provide a minimum of 90% protection from UV-A and 95% protection from UV-B light.

When buying sunglasses, see how well they cover the eyes. Large-size lenses, glasses that fit snugly, and a "wraparound" design all help cut down on damaging UV rays that can easily leak in around the edges of inappropriate or poorly fitting sunglasses.

How important is "sunscreen"?

Dermatologists strongly recommend that if you have to be out in the sun for any length of time ( for shopping, running errands, etc) you should use a sunscreen lotion with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more, and protection against UVA and UVB. If your child develops a burn using SPF 15, try using SPF 30 instead. And, if you are going to spend the whole day out in the sun (like at the beach, or working outside) you and your children should use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30. Look for products bearing the logo of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

For best results, sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun so it is absorbed by the skin and less likely to rub or wash off. Apply the lotion liberally, according to instructions, and renew it every couple of hours. Swimmers and those who sweat heavily should use a "waterproof" brand.

For children wearing bathing suits, make sure that sunscreen is applied up to and under the edges of the suit to protect sensitive areas like the upper thighs and chest. Pay particular attention to the tops of feet and the backs of the knees. Be careful when applying sunscreen near the eyes: these products can be irritating, so avoid the upper and lower eyelids.

Babies are specially vulnerable to UV radiation and also to overheating. For these reasons, it is best to NOT expose babies under one year of age to any intense, direct sunlight (i.e. during the middle of the day).

Sunscreens, like many other products have a limited shelf life and become less effective over time. Consumers should check the expiry date of their old sunscreen containers and replace them if they are out of date.

What about special clothing?

Encourage children to be "Sun-smart". Make sure they cover up with appropriate clothes. Closely-woven material offers natural protection from the sun. If you can see through it, then UV rays will be able to get through too. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants are the best things to protect vulnerable skin. A broad-brimmed hat is also recommended: avoid baseball caps that don't shade the ears or back of the neck.

How can we protect children from sun exposure?

Keep toddlers and older children out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try to make sure that their pre-school or school schedules keep them indoors as much as possible during these hours. Book sports and other outdoors activities for the safer times earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Don't overlook natural shade. Is their play area in a shady spot? Are there trees or other shade-giving structures to give protection during recess?

Other dangers

Be extra careful with children who are fair-skinned or who have blond or red hair. They are more likely to burn easily, and are thus potentially most at risk of developing skin cancer later in life. (Research indicates that several bad sunburns in childhood definitely increase a person's chances of getting melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.)

Most of the sun's damaging UV rays can penetrate light cloud cover and haze. So remember to protect children, even if there's light cloud cover and it doesn't "feel" hot.

Rays from the sun reflect off many of the surfaces around us. Up to 80 % of the sun's UV radiation can bounce back from snow. Concrete, sand and water reflect up to 20%. Whether children are skiing, swimming or just walking around, they always need to be "Sun-smart".

Tips to increase sun safety

1. Protect skin from the sun every day from late Spring through to early Fall.
2. Stay out of the sun from 11A.M. till 3 P.M. 
3. Do NOT expose babies under one year of age to any intense, direct sunlight (i.e. during the middle of the day). 
4. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat and sunglasses.
5. If you have to go out in the sun without protective clothing, use sunscreen liberally (and don't forget to apply it to ears, nose, and neck). 
6. Keep in mind that sunscreen is not intended to increase sun exposure time but just to increase protection during periods of unavoidable sun exposure. 
7. A tan does not provide adequate protection against the powerful rays of the sun. Actually, having a tan just means that your skin is already damaged by UV radiation. 
8. Help teach children to be "Sun-smart", and to protect themselves against a lifetime exposure to the damaging rays of the sun.
9. Indoor tanning, using sun lamps, will damage your skin just the way that UV from the sun does.
10. If you have any questions about how to protect children from the dangers of ultraviolet radiation, please call your local public health office or your family doctor.