There is strong evidence that exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation can have adverse effects on health, notably an increased risk of potentially fatal cancers of the skin. There is equally convincing evidence that limiting outdoor exposure, especially intense, intermittent exposures when solar UV levels are high, can reduce this risk. This can be achieved, without seriously compromising outdoor pursuits, by avoiding direct exposure to sunlight around noon in summer, seeking shade, wearing clothing, and by applying sunscreen to unprotected parts of the body. However protection by sunscreens is less certain than that provided by other means and, in particular, sunscreens should not be used to intentionally prolong exposure.
The feasibility of various strategies for reducing personal ultraviolet radiation exposure is described using a risk management model. The most effective strategy is to avoid outdoor exposure at those times of the day and year when solar UV levels are high. When this is neither practicable nor desirable, clothing and shade provide more effective and visible means of protection than applying topical sunscreens, since use of the latter is problematic.
Diffey BL. What can be done to reduce personal ultraviolet radiation exposure? In: Prevention of Skin Cancer. (Eds. DJ Hill, JM Elwood, DR English), Cancer Prevention-Cancer Causes, Vol 3. Dordrecht, NL: Kluwer Academic 2004, 241-258.
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