hildren spend lots of time outdoors during recess, physical education classes, after-school activities, and sports programs. While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable and healthy, too much can be dangerous. Children need to be physically active, but must learn to protect themselves from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This overexposure can cause serious health effects, including skin cancer and other skin disorders, eye damage and cataracts, and immune system suppression. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.1 Currently, one in five Americans develops skin cancer during their lifetime. Every hour one person dies from this disease. Since 1973, new cases of the most serious form of skin cancer— melanoma—have increased approximately 150 percent. You can make a difference! Children need sun protection education since unprotected exposure to the sun during youth puts them at increased lifetime risk for skin cancer. One or two blistering sunburns in childhood may double the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. By educating ourIntroduction C selves and children about UV-related health effects and the steps for sun protection, we can promote a healthy future for the next generation. In the atmosphere, the ozone layer Scientists have discovered, however, that the ozone layer is thinning and allowing more UV rays smoke. such as asbestos, radon, and tobacco The federal government has classified UV radiation as a human carcinogen, along with other cancer-causing agents forms a protective shield that protects the Earth from the sun’s powerful UV radiation. to reach the Earth’s surface. These heightened levels may cause the incidence and severity of UV-related health effects to rise, particularly given current sun-protection practices in the United States. Since the condition of the ozone layer is not expected to improve significantly until the middle of the 21st century, we need to change our sun protection behaviors now to protect our future health. 1 American Cancer Society, “Cancer Facts and Figures 2003.”
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