Earthsky Interviews
Private: Kids’ sun exposure – not just sunburns – linked to skin cancer
06-12-2007 - Health
The news comes as the U.S. government is reviewing new rules to improve sunscreens. The Food and Drug Administration wants sunscreens to be rated not just for how well they block the ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays that cause sunburn – today’s SPF rankings – but for how well they protect against deeper-penetrating ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays that are linked to cancer and wrinkles.
Until recently, sunscreens have filtered out mostly UVB rays that cause sunburns, not UVA rays, meaning people who depended only on sunscreen to prevent skin cancer may have gotten a false sense of security.
UV levels vary from state to state, even day to day, because of factors such as altitude, cloud cover and ozone. Where you live and your daily life determines most of your UV exposure – your child’s school recess or soccer practice – rather than the occasional beach vacation. UVA can even penetrate window glass.
One way people can help shield their children, researchers said, is to check the weather forecast for the day’s “UV index” in your town, to learn when to stay indoors or in the shade.
“Sunscreen is imperfect,” warns Dr. Nancy Thomas, a dermatologist at the University of North Carolina who led the UV research. “Schedule activities when UV irradiation is not quite so high.”
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer. It will strike almost 60,000 Americans this year, and kill some 8,100. Cases have been on the rise for three decades, and while it usually strikes in the 40s or 50s, doctors are seeing ever-younger cases, occasionally even in children.
Source: “Sunscreens may improve, but shade kids”:http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/1500AP_HealthBeat_Sun_Safety.html, seattlepi.com