Skin cancer is preventable
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer every year. Many people use sunscreen to protect their skin, and if used correctly, it can help to prevent skin cancer and delay the aging process to skin.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended. SPF is an indicator that tells how much protection your skin will get from ultraviolet B radiation, but not from ultraviolet A radiation.
To be effective, sunscreen should be used on all exposed areas of the body, including: face, neck, back, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
More defense against the sun’s rays
In addition to using sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin, you can also protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by staying in the shade when possible and creating some shade with your clothing. You can use a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses to provide some shade. Special umbrellas are made that reflect sun and heat.
Did you know?
It is important to always protect your skin from the sun year round, not only in the summertime. Sun can be harmful if you stay out in the sun too long. This can cause:
- First and second degree burns in some skin tones
- Darkening of certain skin conditions
- Accelerated aging and wrinkles
- Skin cancer
- Flare ups of some skin conditions
- Sun damage that adds up over your lifetime
This safety share, courtesy of Katherine “Kathy” Obmascik (CPA) provides additional tips. Please print this information and use it to help kick off a team discussion at your next meeting with colleagues and/or staff.
All employees are encouraged to submit safety shares for inclusion in the Safety Share Library, available on Box. Submission details are available on Inside Argonne.
Each month a safety share submitted by an individual will be selected to receive a Spot Award for demonstrated safety leadership. The Spot Award program offers three award levels: gold ($100), silver ($50), and bronze ($25).