EPA Tips to Be Cool and Safe this Summer / Limit the heat and the sun, but not the fun (HQ)
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing
tips to protect people from the dangers of overexposure to the sun
and heat while still enjoying summer activities. Excessive heat and
ultraviolet (UV) radiation are dangerous to people’s health.
Each year, more people on average die in the U.S. from heat waves
than from any other natural disaster. And every hour, one American
dies from skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the
U.S.
During the summer months, days are longer and more people are
outside for longer periods of time, increasing the health risks
from heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun. Cities and
suburbs are particularly vulnerable to higher temperatures during
the summer. Many cities and suburbs have air temperatures that can
be up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding
countryside. Buildings and roads intensify heat and UV dangers as
they absorb the sun’s rays and radiate the heat back
throughout the day and night, known as the heat island effect. Heat
islands can intensify heat waves. To help reduce the heat island
effect, plant trees, shrubs, and vines, which create shade and
protect people from UV radiation.
To avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun, follow these
steps to stay cool and safe this summer:
2. Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
3. Apply sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before heading outside, apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.
4. Protect your eyes and face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage and the development of cataracts.
5. Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure
6. Teach sun and heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the elderly, remind them to be safe in the sun and the heat. Watch for signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.
7. Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for overexposure to the sun.
8. Check the Air Quality Index. On hot summer days, ozone levels can rise making the air unhealthy to breathe so be sure to check the air quality index before heading outside.
More information on how to reduce the heat island effect: http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/
More information on extreme heat events: http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/extremeheat.html
More information on sun safety tips: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety.
Check the UV index: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uvindex.html
Check the Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/