Overview

Working outdoors in sunlight can increase your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are part of sunlight, which is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA is the most widespread source of solar radiation on the earth’s surface. UVA penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Researchers believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into the skin, but can still cause some forms of skin cancer. Natural UVC rays do not pose a risk to workers because they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.

Exposure to sunlight is highest in the summer and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Working outdoors during these times increases the chances of getting sunburned.

Snow and light sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn. In workplaces with these conditions, UV rays can reach workers’ exposed skin both from above and below.

Workers are exposed to UV radiation even on cloudy days.

Many medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting sunburned, e.g

• Thiazides
• Diuretics
• Tetracycline
• Doxycycline
• Sulfa antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen

Reduces risk

Employers

Employers can protect workers from sun exposure by:

• Planning outdoor work when there is less exposure to sunlight.
• Provision of shaded or indoor break areas.
• Training workers on sun exposure, including:
  • Your risk of exposure
  • How to prevent exposure
  • Signs and symptoms of overexposure

Workers

Workers can protect themselves from UV damage from sun exposure by:

• Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.
  • SPF refers to the time that people will be protected from a burn.
  • An SPF of 15 will allow a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than they would normally be able to without burning.
  • Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, sweat and correct application.
• Throw away old sunscreens because they don’t work as well after 1-2 years.
• Apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Special attention should be paid to covering ears, scalp, lips, neck, feet and backs of hands.
• Reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours and every time you get out of the water or sweat profusely.
  • You may need to apply sunscreen more often when you also use insect repellents.
• Wearing appropriate clothing.
  • Dark clothing with a tight weave is more protective than light, loosely woven clothing.
  • Clothing with a high SPF can provide more protection.
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with almost 100% UV protection and with side panels to protect your eyes.

Treatment of sunburn

Sunburn is a sign of skin damage from spending too much time outdoors without using sunscreen. Years of overexposure to the sun lead to premature wrinkles, age spots and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Eyes can also be burned by sun exposure. Sunburned eyes become red, dry and painful and feel gritty. Chronic exposure of eyes to sunlight can cause:

• Pterygium (tissue growth leading to blindness)
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness

Sunburns usually appear about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen after 24-36 hours, and disappear after 3-5 days.

A worker with a sunburn may experience:

• Red, hot and tender skin
• Swollen skin
• blisters
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Fatigue

There is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Workers with sunburn should avoid further sun exposure until the burn has resolved.

If you are sunburned, you may:

• Take a pain reliever to help with pain, headache and fever.
• Drink plenty of water to replace fluid loss.
• Take cool baths or apply cool wet cloths to the burned area.
• Apply a topical moisturizer, aloe, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.

If blisters occur, lightly bandage or cover the area with a cause to prevent infection. Ruptured blisters slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

When the blisters break and the skin peels, dried fragments can be removed. Apply an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream.

Seek medical attention if:

• Severe sunburns cover more than 15% of your body.
• You are dehydrated.
• You have a high fever (above 101°F).
• Extreme pain lasts longer than 48 hours.