While we welcome sunlight, what is most unwelcome is too much sun, especially ultraviolet radiation (UV). Ultraviolet is a description of the band of sunrays that fall in the middle of the magnetic spectrum. The length of these rays is shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays; these include UVA, UVB and UVC.

During the past two decades, evidence has mounted that exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), particularly UVB and UVA, is potentially lethal to humans. When these sunrays hit the skin, some are scattered, some reflected but much is absorbed by chromosomes and cell proteins. This absorption causes damage to the cell's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).  The DNA damage, in turn, triggers a response that can lead to cancer, eye damage or blindness.

The medical profession notes the rise in the incidence of skin cancer and recommends that all people protect themselves from UV, which causes harm that includes premature aging—such as wrinkling and age spots—skin cancer, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to eyes.

UV exposure can also make other medical conditions, such as lupus, much worse. In addition, antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics and retinoids make people extremely sun-sensitive. Doctors everywhere agree that education is critical to stopping the epidemic of sun-related diseases, especially skin cancer.

Why avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation? 
Ultraviolet radiation is responsible for the growing epidemic of skin cancer in many countries. As the ozone layer is depleted and global warming intensifies reflection, humans become more exposed to UV. People of all colors should be aware that they need to protect themselves from this increased exposure.

Solar ultraviolet radiation and exposure to sun lamps and sun beds should be added to the list of identified carcinogens (substances known to cause cancer).  Broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation—and each component specifically, UVA, UVB and UVC—are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.

The most common and acute response to UV exposure is sunburn, which is attributed to UVB and can occur in less than 20 minutes in the summer. Tanning, which is also considered evidence of skin damage, is a delayed reaction.

What sun-safety procedures are best?
With the rise in skin cancer, sun-safety should now be an important part of our lives. Sun-safety policies and strategies should be found in our homes, schools, work areas and recreation spots. They should be used daily by people of all colors, and particularly those with fair skin and light eyes.

Sun-safety should include methods of sun protection—which will help prevent skin cancers and premature aging—besides methods of skin cancer detection.

Further, there are many easy-to-use products that will help make your life sun-safe. Sun-protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, umbrellas, sun shades, awnings, canopies, window film or UV film—all will help protect you from UV.

It is important, however, that you familiarize yourself with how to best combine sun-protection methods, how each product meets the standards for sun-protection and how best to use each product.

For example, sun-protective clothing should offer a UPF of 30+ and therefore block 97 percent of UV. Sunscreens are best if they are broad-spectrum and have an SPF of 30+. For best protection, apply all sunscreens 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun; reapply every two hours while exposed.