Don't think it's safe to be outside in the sun's burning rays in these hazy days of a Prince George summer.
You can still get a sunburn through the haze.
"Up to 80 per cent of the sun's rays can get through clouds, fog and haze," said Megan Klitch, health promotion coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon division. "So it's important for people to take precautions, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and when the UV index is three or higher - the same as on non-hazy days."
The basics come into play like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen properly.
The UV index is a measure of the intensity of the sun's rays. The higher the UV index number on a scale from zero to 11 the stronger the sun's rays and the greater the need to take sun safety precautions, Klitch explained.
"The Canadian Cancer Society aims to bring awareness to British Columbians on how to enjoy the sun safely and avoid increasing their risk of skin cancer," Klitch said.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada and melanoma skin cancer is one of the fastest rising in the country, she added. The rate of melanoma has been rising steadily since the 1980s and skin cancer is largely preventable.
"Our concern is that Canadians are still not taking adequate precautions from the sun," said Klitch.
SPF 15 gives protection from 93 per cent of UVB (ultraviolet A are long-wave and ultraviolet B are shortwave rays) and SPF 30 gives protection from 97 percent of UVB rays.
"Anything more than SPF 30 offers minimal added protection and the society recommends people use SPF 15, making sure it's a broad spectrum sunscreen or SPF 30 if they're going to be out in the sun all day, said Klitch. "It's important to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle, use enough of it and reapply every two hours or more frequently if they're in and out of the water."
Sunscreen should not be the first line of defence against sunburn and sun tan. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses are also important.
