Watch Out for the Sun!
Spring is coming. Summer is following. Start to watch out for the sun! Because childhood is a particularly vulnerable time for the dangers of sun exposure. Current studies show that excessive sun exposure during the first 10-20 years of life significantly increases the risk of cancer.
Children generally spend more time outdoors than adults. With long summer days, mid-day activities, and water sports, children receive around three times the actual sun exposure than do adults. Studies have shown that most of one’s sun exposure occurs in childhood. Our thinning Ozone layer may further enhance the dangers of the sun.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Dermatology, and The Skin Cancer Foundation all advise that sun protection be started in young childhood. Clearly those individuals with fair skin are at a much greater risk than persons with darker skin. It is recommended that a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater be used if a person plans on spending any length of time in the direct sunlight.
It is also recommended that infants under 6 months of age be kept out of the direct sunlight as much as possible. Chemical protection is NOT recommended for infants under this age.
