Sun Safety is paramount when abroad and in the UK.
Much of the British population is aware that it’s essential to wear sun cream when in countries with a warmer climate. However when it comes to sun safety at home, many don’t believe that it's necessary. Sun Awareness Week aims to dispel the myth that sun safety is any less important in the UK.
What are the Risks?
Though children are much more vulnerable when it comes to sun damage, adults shouldn’t neglect their sun safety routine either. You should be particularly cautious of sun burn if you have pale skin, naturally red hair, moles, or any family history of skin cancer. Regardless of these factors, all adults should try to avoid direct sunlight during its most dangerous hours: 11am to 3pm. This means that anyone who primarily works outside or even those who just enjoy their lunch break in the park will need to take extra care.
It’s vital to note that sun burn is not just a temporary pain, discomfort or inconvenience. Information provided by Cancer Research UK points out that sunburn is a sign of damage to your skin cells’ DNA. And here’s the result: if you are sunburnt just once every other year, over time you will triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.
Remember, it’s also really important to protect your eyes. We’re often told to never look directly at the sun, and rightly so! However sun safety is not limited to direct sunlight. The sun’s harmful rays can be reflected from various surfaces including concrete, water and sand. This reflected light can cause a painful burn to the eye’s surface, in the same way that it can cause burns on the skin.
What does Sun Safety Involve?
Let’s re-cap what we know so far:
- The sun is dangerous – even in the UK!
- Sun cream is vital but it can’t do all the work for you.
- Seek shade between 11am and 3pm.
- Protect your eyes in all bright light.
Organisers of Sun Awareness Week, the British Association of Dermatologists, suggest that a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen is best for adults.
It’s also important to avoid cheap or ‘knock-off’ sunglasses; just because they reduce the glare, it doesn’t mean they’re blocking harmful UV rays.
You should use sunglasses that guarantee protection from UVA and UVB light.
Communal Protection
Adults tend to seek shelter during wet or cold weather. However when it comes to extreme heat or sun, we as a nation tend to not take the necessary precautions. Airports are one of the most popular types of sites for the installation of our shelters and sun shades. That’s because their vast expanses of concrete can create an extremely harsh environment for underprepared holiday makers.
Imagine, you plan to get a tan whilst abroad but you burn at a UK airport before you even arrive! No one wants to spend their summer holiday avoiding the sun.
Broxap also manufactures, designs and installs a range of shelters and shades for various other sectors. It’s important to install canopies or shades outside businesses or as public transport stops, anywhere which allows exposure to direct sunlight. With a Broxap canopy you can protect commuters, members of the workforce or anyone who waits or socialises in these spots. Furthermore, our Shelters for Schools are perfect for those with limited natural shade available. By installing one of these shades, such as the Perimeter Beam Shade Sail or a Hexagonal Conic Canopy, you ensure pupils and staff are offered vital protection from the elements.
Sun Safety Guaranteed
We must do what we can to help to prevent sun burn during the most dangerous hours of sunlight. That’s why Broxap’s shades, shelters and canopies are designed to block harmful UV radiation… and look good while they’re doing it!