Action Steps for 

Sun Protection

Agency

www.epa.gov/sunwise

1EPA

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous.

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can result in a painful

sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health effects, including skin cancer,

premature aging of the skin, and other skin disorders; cataracts and other eye

damage; and immune system suppression. Children are particularly at risk of

overexposure, since most of the average person’s lifetime exposure occurs before

the age of 18. 

Be SunWise

Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the

most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million

cases reported annually. By following a number of simple steps, you can still

enjoy your time in the sun while protecting yourself from overexposure.

In cooperation with a number of leading public health organizations, the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing these action steps to help

you and your family be “SunWise.” Other than staying indoors, no single step

can fully protect from overexposure to UV radiation, so use as many of the following actions as possible.

Limit Time in the Midday Sun

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during 

these hours. 

Seek Shade

Staying under cover is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun. Remember the shadow rule: “Watch Your

Shadow—No Shadow, Seek Shade!”

Always Use Sunscreen

A broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor

(SPF) of at least 15 blocks most UV radiation. Apply sunscreen liberally on exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours

when working or playing outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off sweat or water. 

Wear a Hat

A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for your

eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck—areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun.

SPF 15
Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing

is a good way to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Wear Sunglasses That Block 99 to 100 Percent of UV

Radiation

Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB

protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to

cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when 

buying sunglasses.

Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Salons

The light source from sunbeds and sunlamps damages the

skin and unprotected eyes. It’s a good idea to avoid artificial

sources of UV light.

Watch for the UV Index

The UV Index provides important information to help you

plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure

to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service

(NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected

cities across the United States. 

Special Considerations for Children 

Although many of the sun’s effects do not appear until later in life, recent medical research shows that it is very important to protect children and young adults

from overexposure to UV radiation. Because children tend to spend more time

in the sun than adults, be careful to keep young children protected from overexposure, and consult your physician about sun protection for children under 

6 months of age.

EPA’s SunWise School Program

In response to the serious public health threat posed by overexposure to UV

radiation, EPA is working with schools and communities across

the nation through the SunWise School Program. SunWise teaches children in elementary school and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun.

For More Information

To learn more about UV radiation, the action steps for sun protection, and the

SunWise School Program, call EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline

at 800 296-1996, or visit our Web site at <www.epa.gov/sunwise>.

The UV Index provides 

numeric values and describes a

person’s likelihood of exposure

to the sun’s harmful rays.

2Printed on paper that contains at least 30 percent postconsumer fiber.