As the UV index goes higher and the summer season approaches, we should consider the impact of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays on our skin, particularly for those who work outdoors, such as construction workers. Among their daily occupational hazards, sunscreen awareness is crucial since prolonged UV exposure can lead to severe health issues.
Most skin cancers are mostly caused from long-term sun exposure. Contrary to common belief, some believe that factors like location or ethnic background can prevent them from skin cancer but anyone spending extended periods in the sun faces an increased risk. In fact, a staggering 60-70% of melanoma cases come from UV exposure. Another effect of long-term sun exposure can be accelerated aging of the skin and eye problems, such as cataracts, and while they may not be as deadly, they still are things we can avoid.Â
Fortunately, there are practical steps we can all take, including construction workers, to mitigate these risks. We can start by wearing sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and making sure to reapply every two hours especially during prolonged outdoor work. Staying in the shade when possible, whether under an umbrella or tree and wearing protective clothing like hats and long-sleeved shirts further reduces exposure. Don't forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses designed to block UV rays.
So as summer approaches let's prioritize our skin health by upping our SPF use and adopting sun-protective habits..
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