The American Academy of Dermatology cautions outdoor workers to be aware of an invisible hazard: the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Exposure to these rays for hours is a major risk factor for a number of skin cancers, including melanoma – the most serious form.
The academy notes that outdoor workers receive more UV radiation exposure than other workers for a number of reasons:
- Outdoor workers spend long periods of time in the sun.
- Sweating may contribute to UV-related skin damage because it increases a person’s photosensitivity of the skin, which can result in sunburns. Excessive sweating also can cause sunscreen to come off.
- UV radiation reflects off sand, concrete and light-colored surfaces, so it can be hard for workers to avoid exposure.
On average, one person dies from melanoma every hour in the United States, according to the academy.
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Outdoor workers can help reduce their risk of skin cancers by following these tips:
- Know that even on cloudy days, you’re still susceptible to UV rays, as up to 80 percent can pass through clouds.
- Avoid the sun’s rays when they are strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Regularly and generously apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Check your skin often for suspicious freckles or moles. If you find a mole or spot that has recently changed in appearance or is itching, bleeding or getting larger, see a dermatologist.
