UV Safety Month

History of UV Safety Month

U.V. Safety Month is held during summer when most of us spend more time outside making the most of the warmer weather. The longer your exposure, however, the greater your risk of sun damage if you’re unprotected. The sun emits radiation in the form of Ultraviolet or U.V. light, which is classified into three types: U.V.A., U.V.B., and U.V.C. The ozone layer protects the Earth’s stratosphere and blocks the most damaging U.V.C. light, but U.V.B. and U.V.A. light pass through it. U.V.C. radiation can come from artificial sources such as sunlamps or tanning beds.

The Global Solar U.V. Index or U.V.I. describes the level of solar U.V. radiation at the Earth’s surface. The higher the index value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes.
Radiation from U.V. light is invisible but is always present during the day even when you can’t see or feel the sun. These rays can be harmful to our skin and eyes. Aside from wrinkles and sunburn, exposure is associated with the development of skin cancer. Our eyes can be affected by cataracts, cornea damage, and vision loss if left unprotected in the long term.

The sun is at its peak between 10 am to four pm. Head indoors or under shade during these hours. If you stay outside longer for work or play, sunscreen with a high S.P.F. of at least 30, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing that covers you up can offer the most protection. U.V. rays can pass through clouds. They also reflect off surfaces like sand, snow, cement, and water. That’s why sun protection is important in any season, all year round.

UV Safety Month timeline

1992

Things Are Heating Up

The U.V. index (U.V.I.), is developed in Canada in response to growing concerns about the potential increase of U.V. radiation that causes skin and eye damage.

1994

Everyone Agrees on the Heat

The U.V.I. is adopted by the United States National Weather Service (N.W.S.) and Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) as well as the World Meteorological Organization (W.M.O.) and World Health Organization (WHO).

1995

Getting Together Under the Sun

The U.V.I. is published as a result of a collaboration between the W.M.O., WHO, United Nations Environment Programme, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, and the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection.

2002

One World, One Sun

The Global Solar U.V.I. is standardized.

2008

A Hot Month for a Hot Issue

The American Academy of Ophthalmology names July U.V. Safety Awareness month.

UV Safety Month FAQs

When is UV Safety Month?

UV Safety Month runs throughout July 2026, dedicating the entire month to raising awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It’s a crucial time to reinforce sun-safe habits as summer activities peak.

How prevalent is skin cancer in the U.S.?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with approximately one in five Americans developing it by age 70. This makes UV Safety Month a critical period for public education and early detection efforts.

What are the common myths about sun protection?

Common myths include believing that tanning beds are safer than sun exposure, that sunscreen prevents all tanning, or that dark skin tones don’t need sun protection. UV Safety Month aims to debunk these misconceptions with factual information.

Is the UV index reliable for daily sun safety?

Yes, the UV Index is a reliable tool, developed by the EPA and the National Weather Service, that forecasts the intensity of UV radiation. It helps individuals plan outdoor activities and apply appropriate sun protection measures daily.

How to Observe UV Safety Month

Head to the water

Beat the heat with a dip in the pool or a swim in the ocean. An impromptu garden hose shower can be delightful. Just be sure to avoid the sun during peak hours and reapply sunscreen afterward if you’ll be spending more time outdoors.

Wear a fun hat

Sun protection and fashion can go hand in hand. Play with colors, prints, and unexpected shapes. Choose one with a wide, all-around brim for the best coverage.

Propose a toast

Remember kicking back with a drink in hand and the breeze in your hair we mentioned earlier? Do it, but in the shade of course! Gather your friends, some drinks (non-alcoholic or otherwise, they all count), and raise a glass to congratulate yourselves on enjoying the summer sun sensibly.

5 Things To Know To Stay Sun Safe

S.P.F. stands for Sun Protection Factor

The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s U.V. rays would take to darken your skin versus the amount of time without any sunscreen.

Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen

This means it can protect you from both U.V.A. rays that cause sunburn and U.V.B. rays that cause skin damage like skin aging.

Not all sunglasses are created equal

Wrap-around or oversized styles offer more protection but make sure they block 99% to 100% of U.V. rays.

U.P.F. clothing can be expensive

Clothes labeled with Ultraviolet Protection Factor or U.P.F. provide a level of certainty but common fabrics like cotton and denim that cover most of your body can offer some protection as well.