SUN PROTECTION

          Why Wear Special Sun Protective Clothing?

• Sun protective clothing reduces the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. 

• In excess of 1 million skin cancers are found each year.  Over 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by direct exposure to the UV radiation of the sun. 

• The best advice is never try to get a tan and never sunburn.  Both will increase the risk of skin cancer.  If you redden or feel an ache or tingle, get indoors or find some shade immediately.

• UVA and UVB rays do penetrate clothing and you can get a skin reaction to sunlight through clothing.

• All clothing provides some amount of sun protection, but the amount of protection varies greatly with the type of fabric and density of the weave.

• Only clothes with UPF of 15+ may be labeled as sun-protective.  Most manufacturers of sun protective clothing offer a UPF from 15 to 50.

• Wear a hat.  Skin cancers often appear on the face, ear and neck because these areas are always the most vulnerable.