June is Sun & Fireworks Safety Month

Sun Safety Week

According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US.

Join Sam on a Summer Safety Walk

Skin Cancer & UV Exposure

• Children generally get three times more sun exposure than adults.
• Concrete, sand, water, and snow reflect 85% to 90% of the sun's UV rays.
• UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm and May through August in the US.
• In some cases, it can take less than 10 minutes for your skin to burn from the sun.
• There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamos cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• In some parts of the world, the instances of melanoma are increasing faster than any other cancer.
• Just one blistering sunburn potentially doubles a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Protect Yourself 

• Check the UV Index before going outside each day so you know how much sun protection you'll need that day.
• Thoroughly examine your skin every few months for new or abnormal moles, changes in the size and color of a mole or any unusual bumps or growths.
• Use more than one way to cover up when you're in the sun (ie. T-shirt and sunscreen, shade and sunglasses, sunscreen and hat).

Fireworks Safety

During the summer, particularly on and around July 4, fireworks are a popular activity. It is important to keep in mind that although they are fun and festive, they can be very dangerous. According to US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2005, there were 10,800 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks. Children under 15 accounted for an estimated 45 percent of those injuries. Fifteen percent of total injuries were eye injuries.

What type of fireworks cause injuries?

• Firecrackers (26%)
• Sparklers (17%)
• Rockets (17%)

Sun and fireworks safety facts found at the CDC and Sun Safety Alliance .