2 Shade Planning for America’s Schools Almost all of these cancers are preventable.4 4 American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Cancer. Available at http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/skincan.html In most cases, exposure to solar UV radiation is the cause of the cancer. Using multiple methods for estimating the incidence of melanoma that might be attributable to exposure to the sun, Armstrong and Kricker, reporting in Melanoma Research, suggest that between 68% and 90% of all melanomas result from exposure to UV radiation.5 5 Armstrong BK, Kricker A. How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure? Melanoma Res 1993;3:395-401. Solar Radiation Added to the List of “Known” Carcinogens The federal government’s 11th edition of the Report on Carcinogens listed the sun and any other source of broad spectrum ultraviolet radiation as “known” causes of cancer. “The report cites data indicating a cause-and-effect relationship between this radiation and skin cancer, cancer of the lip and melanoma of the eye. The report goes on to say that skin cancers are observed with increasing duration of exposure and for those who experience sunburn.” From National Institutes of Health News Release dated December 11, 2002 Why Shade? There are many reasons that a school might want to improve the quality and increase the amount of accessible shade on school grounds. The most obvious and one of the most important reasons is that shade provides protection from solar UV radiation. Due to the scheduling complexities of physical education classes, sporting events, and other outdoor activities, students are often exposed to solar UV radiation during the peak sun hours of the day—between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For some schools and for some students, using sun protective methods, such as hats or sunscreen, or implementing policy changes could prove to be problematic. Providing shade in areas where students already participate in outdoor activities can afford passive protection from the sun’s damaging rays. What Are the Additional Benefits of Shade? Extending the Classroom Schools are often looking for ways to extend their classrooms. Two strategies for increasing shade on school grounds can also help schools create novel classroom experiences for their students. These strategies may be employed independently or in concert. The first is to modify existing structures or build new ones to provide shade where students play and socialize. The second calls for the strategic planting of additional shade-producing trees, vines, and shrubs. Structures built to provide shade can also be designed as covered outdoor learning areas, thereby extending the classroom beyond the school walls. Planting shade-producing vegetation affords schools the opportunity to create and maintain natural outdoor classrooms where students can enjoy hands-on experiences in the natural world. Both strategies could potentially provide teachers with new ideas for curricula and new reasons to take their students outdoors.
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