UV Index and Protection
2010
Report that Sunscreens Accelerate Cancer Jumps to Conclusions, Says FDA, Experts
The sunscreen you apply to protect yourself and loved ones from skin cancer may actually speed up the growth of cancer cells, according to a new report.
May 26, 2010
High SPF Essential at High Altitudes to Protect Against Sun Damage
Dr. Rigel: "People don't realize how much additional sun you get at higher altitudes. It's anywhere from an 8% to a 10% increase for every thousand feet of elevation. In the summertime, you can get anywhere from 40% to 50% greater sun intensity than at sea level." He is against U.S. F.D.A.'s proposal "to limit the SPF of sunscreens to 50." Or to not distinguish them from higher formulations.
March 9, 2010
Nanoparticles in Sunscreen: Are They Safe?
How EWG changed its views from an initial negative perception to "recommending some sunscreens that may contain nano-sized ingredients." But EWG staff "caution against using any powder or spray mineral based sunscreen, particularly those with titanium or zinc, due to the risk of inhalation."
March 8, 2010
2009
Low-Fat Eating Best After Skin Cancer: Study
"In addition to protecting the skin from sunlight, people who have a history of skin cancer would benefit from lowering their total fat intake," from researcher at Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
October 25, 2009
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How Much Sun is Too Much?
Customer of a well-known portable UV monitor obtains outrageous readings for his "safe" sun exposure period.
July 27, 2009
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Sunscreen Smarts: Protect Your Part [the Part in Hair]
"The easiest thing to do is to wear a hat or other head covering, but if you dare to go bare, then try spritzing a spray sunscreen along the length of your part. It's less awkward than trying to rub in lotion around your hairline, and this way your hair won't get too greasy."
July 20, 2009
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Don't Let the Sun Scald Your Skin
"Check the UV index in your area. It'll help you determine what day is best for hanging outside, how long you should stay in the sun and how often you should reapply your sunscreen. Missed the weather forecast? Use the UV index calculator at epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html."
July 7, 2009
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Why You Have to be Ultra-Vigilant About Ultraviolet
Wide-ranging article on UV rays ("an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun"). Believes that more exposure to sun/UV rays for lifestyle reasons rather than due to ozone depletion is responsible for increase in melanoma. Sunscreen labeling, UPF clothing. Lots on UV index.
June 20, 2009
Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun
“Look for ones that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB light, or glasses
labeled UV400…. Dr. Starr warns that even on rainy days, the UV index
can be very high, so it's not a bad idea to wear sunglasses on a regular
basis outdoors and in the winter.”
June 15, 2009
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The SPF Isn't Everything
Advice from Moffitt Cancer Center: "... [S]un protection in Southwest Florida boils down to three words - and they are all about sunscreen: Always. More. Often."
May 5, 2009
Sun Smart from the Start - UV Skinz to Donate Free Baby Skinz to Consumers
"UV Skinz promotes skin cancer awareness by shipping free Baby UV swim shirts with every order in May."
April 30, 2009
Sunscreens and Sunscreen Testing
A more technical discussion than usual of UV-rays and sunscreen and sunblock ingredients, from a testing laboratory. Lists all the FDA-approved active ingredients.
April 27, 2009
My Environment: A New Map App from the Enviromental Protection Agency
"To modernize our online maps [EPA's], yesterday we released an updated system called MyEnvironment..... We also pull together health information that you can use including the daily UV index, daily ozone and particulate matter forecasts...."
April 24, 2009
Urgent - Winter Weather Message - Protecting Your Skin
"When possible, stay out of the sun during the peak hours of UV radiation, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m."
February 10, 2009
2008
Consumer Reports: Why Are Companies Lying about Putting Nanoparticles in Your Sunscreen?
“Consumer Reports tested 5 sunscreens that claimed not to contain nano-particles — and only one was actually nano-particle-free.”
October 31, 2008
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