Summer in Ontario used to mean a
happy shucking of most clothes in favour of shorts
and swimsuits. But it’s important to remember
today’s sun, while it looks and feels the same,
is very different from 20 yeas ago.
The ozone layer that protects the earth’s surface
from damaging UV rays is thinning – allowing
more UVA and UVB rays to pass through. Today’s
research shows these levels are five to ten percent
higher than before 1980. Even more alarming, a population
health survey conducted in 1998 revealed, “Southwestern
Ontario is number one in incidences of skin cancer,” states
Kaylene McKinnon, a public health nurse for the Middlesex
London Health Unit.
This is due to a “very high population in beach
communities, as well large rural areas with outdoor
workers,” she adds. In Canadian adults aged 20-44,
melanoma constitutes 8 percent of cancer among women
and 10 percent among men. One in seven individuals
who burn today will develop a form of skin cancer.
More then ever it is vital to protect adults and children
alike from potentially harmful rays. Try to avoid or
limit exposure to the sun during peak hours of 11am
to 4pm.
Teach your children how to identify shady areas such
as trees, buildings, porches and umbrellas. Point out “if
your shadow is shorter than your are, it’s time
to find some shade,” advises McKinnon.
Keep children under one year of age out of direct
sun – in a covered stroller, umbrella or other
areas of shade. Cover their sensitive skin with hat
and loose-fitting clothing. Do not apply sunscreen
to infants under six months, because their skin is
too sensitive and reactive to safely use chemical products.
With a multitude of choices, selecting a sunscreen
can be confusing. Brand names aside, McKinnon advises
parents and caregivers to select a broad-spectrum protection
against UVA and UVB rays with SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
of 15 or higher.
Since it normally takes about 10 minutes for skin
to become red without protection, an SPF of 15 would
provide 10 x 15 = 150 minutes of protection from burning.
Sunscreens are divided into two types: absorbers and
reflectants. Absorbers are chemicals absorbed into
the top layers of the skin where they cannot be washed
off. Reflectants, also referred to as sun blocks, are
chemicals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that
actually reflect UV rays away from the skin. “It’s
most identified as that thick white cream liberally
applied to noses, ears and lips,” laughs McKinnon.
Check with the pharmacist about suitable sunscreens
and choose one carrying the Canadian Dermatology Association’s
logo.
Sunscreens are to be applied 15 to 30 minutes before
sun exposed to ensure absorption and reapply frequently,
about every two hours or so – especially after
swimming or sweating. Don’t forget ears, nose,
neck and bald spots!
And don’t let a cloudy day get your guard down
- up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds,
mist and fog. Also be mindful of reflective light from
water, sand and concrete – up to 85% of the sun’s
rays can bounce back at you.
Fabrics that offer protection against dangerous UV
rays are closely woven materials. McKinnon advises, “dark,
synthetic fabrics like polyester provide the best protection.” The
darker the colour, the higher the SPF. A white cotton
tee shirt provides the least protection.
Harmful UV rays affect your home as well. According
to McKinnon, through the rays of sunlight that come
through a home’s windows are somewhat weaker
than those received while sitting outside, a child
watching TV or reading a book beside an untreated window
is still subject to burning. “UVA rays are the
ones that usually get through glass,” says McKinnon. “They
are weaker but penetrate deeper.”
According to Peter Yates, president of Window Film
Systems,” Four things cause fading and damage
to your homes interior: UV, heat, visible light and
miscellaneous things such as interior lighting, humidity,
etc. Window film can eliminate on average 100% of the
UV, 50% of the heat and some visible light. In general
we can help reduce fading 60 to 70% as well keeping
the space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Window Film Systems, a local firm with a 25-year history
and an international reputation, carries two products
of interest to homeowners who wish to protect children
and furniture: Madico Sunscape Products and Huper Optik. “Madico
Sunscape is a clear film that eliminates 100% of UAV
and UAB which are the most harmful rays. Huper Optik
is a unique product because it is a virtually clear
film that eliminates 55% of the heat without being
noticed on the window. It has a ceramic layer which
allows the product to be extremely efficient without
having any reflective look (unlike other products which
have) a metal coating being utilized in the film that
has a reflective appearance.”
Yates exclaims, “Film technology has changed
significantly in the past five years. Products are
lighter, brighter and can last as long as you own your
house.”
|
