UV Radiation & Protection

July 2025

Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is a year-round responsibility, but it is especially important right now as we are in the warmer months.

Each year in the US, more than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer at a cost of about $8.1 billion. 40-50% of Americans aged 65 and older will have skin cancer at least once.

Ultraviolent radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources (i.e., tanning beds). While it has some benefits for people, like Vitamin D, it also can cause health risks.

UV radiation is classified into 3 primary types: ultraviolet A, B, and C, based on their wavelengths. Almost all UV radiation that reaches Earth is UVA, but some UVB radiation reaches Earth.

Risks of UV Radiation

• Exposure increases risk of potentially blinding eye diseases if eye protection is not used

• Overexposure can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US

    • Typically, the cancer forms on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms since these parts are the most exposed to UV radiation

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can have harmful health effects from UV radiation, but risks increase in people who:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned

• Have light-color skin, hair, and eyes

• Take some types of oral and topical medicines

• Have a family member with skin cancer

• Are over the age 50

Less than half of older adults protect their skin from the sun when outside for an hour or more on a warm, sunny day. This may raise their risk of getting skin cancer.

Protection from UV Radiation

“Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!”

• Slip on a shirt

• Slop on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher, for both UVA + UVB protection)

• Slap on a hat (to shade face, head, ears, and neck)

• Wrap on sunglasses

• Apply sunscreen properly

  • Apply generously

  • Reapply at least every 2 hours