With cloudy skies and cooler days many people think they won’t get sunburnt. Sunburn is caused by UV radiation not temperature therefore even on a cooler cloudy day the UV level can be intense. You can get sunburnt on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate some clouds, and may even be more intense due to the reflection from the bottom of the clouds.
Outdoor workers have a higher than average risk of skin cancers because they spend long periods of time working in the sun, all year round, over many years of working life.
So it’s important to remember that even on cloudy days we need to be mindful of the UV index forecast for that day and protect ourselves as necessary. When the UV index is 3 and above it is time to be SunSmart
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
- Slap on a hat (broad brimmed)
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses
A really great website for learning about the UV Index, including finding out what the UV is right now and the SunSmart app, is www.myuv.com.au. While you are there Download the SunSmart app to your phone and use it daily. It is free and fun and can be tailored to your location – The app lets you know when you need sun protection, the daily UV level, the weather forecast, and lets you set a reminder for putting on sunscreen and how much (it has a sunscreen calculator!) – check it out on myUV.com.au
Remember UV3 is the key!
At UV3+, cover up.
Below UV 3, no sun protection is required.
For more information and/or to book a talk about the prevention of cancer for your community please ring 9622 4326
Karen Hansen, | Regional Education Officer Wheatbelt | Cancer Council WA