UV Rays and Sun Protection
Mitigate Damage With Proper Eye Protection, Clothing and Sunscreen
As outdoor enthusiasts our exposure to Ultraviolet radiation is a major concern. Here are some tips for reducing the harmful effects while enjoying outdoor activities.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a part of the sun's wavelength spectrum that directly affects the planet Earth, especially its plant and animal life. Scientists tell us the UV rays are divided into three different levels:
UVC - Extremely dangerous for plant and animal life. Fortunately for us, it is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the planet's surface.
UVB - 99 percent of these rays are also absorbed by the ozone layer, but the remaining 1 percent that reach through the atmosphere are of concern because they can be responsible for damage at a molecular level to our DNA. Short term effects are reddening of the skin and a loss of the ability to synthesize vitamin D. Long term effects include skin cancer, cataracts and suppression of the immune system.
UVA - These rays penetrate the ozone layer unimpeded. UV-A rays are a necessary component for the synthesis of vitamin D in humans, but like anything else, too much of a good thing can cause harm. Overexposure to UV-A can cause reddening and toughening of the skin, suppression of the immune system and cataracts.
And don't think that a cloudy or overcast sky reduces your exposure to these rays. Here's what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says about that:
Sunlight is received as direct rays and as diffuse light, i.e. skylight which has been scattered by the atmosphere (skyshine). ... we actually receive more UV radiation from this 'skyshine' than from direct sunshine! The large amount of ultraviolet in skyshine accounts for the fact that it is possible to get sunburned on a beach on a cloudy day when there is no direct sunshine from the Sun. The reflection of ultraviolet from the surface of water is twice as great as from a field of grass, but only one-fourth as much as from freshly fallen snow. Thus, you will receive eight times the amount of UV radiation on a field covered with snow, as opposed to a field of grass, with all other things being equal.
Keep in mind also, that if you are hiking, backpacking or camping at higher altitudes then your exposure is also increased, due to there being less atmosphere for the rays to pass through.
Here are some ways you can reduce the harmful effects of UV rays while enjoying your favorite outdoor past time:
Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses - Get sunglasses with the highest amount of protection from UVA and UVB rays possible. Keep in mind that industry and labeling standards say that sunglasses must block at least 70 percent of UVB and at least 60 percent of UVA, but those standards are completely voluntary, not mandatory. Look for sunglasses that block at least 98 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, and if possible spring for the more expensive glasses with lenses that will block 100 percent of all UV rays.
Avoid simple tinted lens sunglasses as these can possibly be more dangerous than going without sunglasses. The dark tint will allow the pupil to dilate more fully, allowing more harmful rays to penetrate and potentially increase the occurrence of cataracts.
Protect Your Skin With Clothing - If you're in a climate that is cooler, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to provide as much of a barrier as possible between the sunshine (or "skyshine") and your skin. In extremely sun intensive locales you might wish to invest in clothing with UV protection built in to increase your protection. Some of these products can block up to 98 percent of UV rays.
Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen - If you're in a climate that calls for shorts and short or no-sleeve shirts, then be sure to apply a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30+ to all exposed portions of skin such as arms, legs, face and neck. Most sunscreens work by using either an organic chemical compound that absorbs ultraviolet light (such as oxybenzone) or an opaque material that blocks or reflects light (such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide), or a combination of both. Time, absorption and moisture (such as perspiration, precipitation or a dip in a stream or lake) mean that you have to be sure to keep the sunscreen applied as needed to provide the highest level of protection.
It's a great big, bright and beautiful world out there. Be sure to increase your enjoyment of it by protecting yourself from UV radiation using these simple tips.
