While some exposure to sunlight is enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) radiation, listed as a known carcinogen by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, can cause immediate effects like blistering sun burns and long-term problems like skin cancer, cataracts, and immune suppression. Overexposure also causes wrinkling and aging of the skin.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepared this booklet to help you understand the risks from overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from UV radiation.
This booklet presents the following information: The science behind UV radiation and stratospheric ozone. The health risks from overexposure to UV radiation. The steps you can take to protect yourself and your children.
What the UV Index is and how you can use it. Details about EPA’s Sunwise Program. Where to get more information about the UV Index and ways to protect yourself from the sun.
We hope you find this booklet useful and that you will use the information provided to help you be Sunwise!
