It is important to be aware of the dangers of too much exposure to UVB radiation. It is especially important to make sure that children are protected from high levels of UVB, because children are often outside. Here is a very helpful source of information called Sun Protection for Children http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/uvindex/uvkids.html

Here are some additional websites to use in this activity:

UV Index Monthly Means and Maximums
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv_index/uv_meanmax.html

Sun Protection for Children http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/uvindex/uvkids.html

Stay Healthy in the Sun http://www.epa.gov/sunwise1/uvindex/stayheal.html

Health Effects of Overexposure to the Sun http://www.epa.gov/sunwise1/uvandhealth.html

Action Steps for Sun Protection http://www.epa.gov/sunwise1/actionsteps.html

Skin Savvy from the American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org/newsf.html

Follow the links to Skin Savvy 1999, and from there look for the link to Skin Savvy Archives. There are several good articles, including "Having a Bad Face Day?", "Indoor Tanning is Out" and "SunSavvy Tips for Children of All Ages".

Scenarios

Now, here are some scenarios (examples) of specific situations faced by families. Using what you know about UVB radiation, the UV Index, and Internet resources, write a short answer or solution to some of these situations. 

1. You have very sensitive skin, but you want to plan a vacation where you can participate in outdoor activities. In what parts of the United States and in what time of year might you go?
2. Your children love to be outdoors when the sun shines. You have a five-month old baby, a three-year old, and a five-year old. What can you do for each of your children to help protect them from the harmful effects of sunshine?
3. You are planning a family reunion in Oregon. You expect about sixty people to come, so you want to reserve a park facility for the event. Several of your family members have sensitive skin and the tendency to develop cataracts. When (time of day and month) should you plan your reunion? What kind of park facility should you reserve for the reunion? What other plans can you make in order to have this be a healthy reunion?
4. You have a teenaged daughter who loves to go to the tanning parlor year-round. She also likes to stay outside in sunshine whenever possible and she refuses to wear sunscreen. She does listen to information from reliable sources, however. What information can you give her that might convince her to watch the amount of exposure she gets to tanning lights and sunshine? (Hint: check out some of the articles in Sun Savvy)

Use your life experiences and your creativity to write your own scenario about exposure to UVB radiation. Exchange your scenario with another person, or work together to find the information you need to solve the problem.

Written by Susan K. Cowles, Oregon Weather Project, OASIS, 1998

RETURN TO LESSON