#HealthyShelfie 2016: Be Prepared

 

Even though we don’t live in a place where it’s as sunny as I’m sure we’d all like, it’s important to be prepared with sun protection, especially when the sun is at its strongest. The European Code Against Cancer points out that “on a cloudy or foggy day, you might still get sunburned because up to 80% of the UV radiation passes through clouds or mist.”

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The European Code Against Cancer sun/UV exposure recommendation says “Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds. 

Radiation from the sun contains the light we can see and the infra-red radiation we can feel as heat, as well as the invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Optical solar radiation is essential for planet Earth (e.g. for photosynthesis) and human beings.

Very short wavelength UV (UVC) radiation is completely absorbed by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere but some of the short-wavelength UV (UVB) and long-wavelength UV (UVA) radiation reaches the Earth’s surface. UVB is necessary for Vitamin D synthesis in human skin, however, UVB as well as UVA are causing damage to the skin which, in the long term, can lead to skin cancers.”

Read the Code & Find Out More