Aug 1, 2007 11:01 am US/Eastern
UV Rays Equally Damaging In Shade
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Specialists recommend an SPF of 30 or higher to effectively protect against UV rays.
CBS
Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer worldwide. Unfortunately, an estimated 70 percent of Americans don't use sun protection.
The most dangerous hours are between 10 am and 4 pm during daylight savings time, when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the most intense.
"When you are exposed to sunlight and UV radiation," said Dr. Diane Madfes, "you have a combo of UVA and UVB. UVB and UVA are different types of rays."
Madfes added that the combination gives you increased risk for skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkles.
When your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is strong and intense. So you should reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under a tree, umbrella, or some kind of shelter.
Even when not in direct sunlight, you should wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen because UV rays can reflect off virtually any surface.
"Even if the index is low, you still need to be very careful," Madfes warned. "The amount of UV rays adds up over time. It changes your DNA in your skin cells, and you can have skin cancer later in life."
Knowing the UV index value can help you avoid sunburn in the short term and skin cancer in the long term. Radio and television stations routinely give out the UV indexes in the summer months.
Many sunscreens offer UV protection. While bottles of SPF 15 are effective, many doctors think the SPF should be at least 30.
It takes about an ounce of sunscreen to fully protect your body. You should also reapply when out in the sun, especially after sweating or swimming.
Dr. Madfes pointed out that tanning booths expose people to extra UV radiation, when being exposed to it originally is damaging enough.
"UV radiation is a carcinogen," Madfes said. "For children or anyone for that matter to go into a tanning booth to get extra UV radiation kind of doesn't make much sense at this point."
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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