Canada Sun Guide

The cumulative effects of excessive sun exposure, especially sunburn in young children, can produce skin cancer in later years. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 4,400 new cases of melanoma were reported in 2005, over 12 percent more than 2002. The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer is also rising - up more than six percent, from 72,000 in 2002 to 78,000 in 2005. The good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable.

The Canada Safety Council, in partnership with Active Living--Go for Green! and other partners, developed the Canada Sun Guide to help Canadians combine sun safety with outdoor activities. Year-round, outdoor physical activity can be healthy, fun and safe if you follow the four Canada Sun Guide basics.

• Schedule outdoor physical activities when UV rays are at their weakest - before 11:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m., especially between the months of April and October.
• Always keep children under the age of one out of the sun.
• Remember that skin doesn't have to be hot to burn, so don't be fooled by cloudy or overcast weather.
• Remember too that water, snow, sand and concrete can reflect and increase the sun's burning rays.

• Seek natural shade from trees and buildings.
• Plant trees in school yards and other play areas.
• Use shade umbrellas, or create other forms of shade if natural shade is not possible.
• Keep playpens, strollers and carriages in shaded areas.

Eighty per cent of skin cancers occur above the neck.

• Cover children's heads, necks and ears with a broad brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Protect arms and legs with tightly woven, loose fitting, cotton clothing.
• Children should wear a T-shirt over their bathing suit, and long shorts instead of short shorts.
• Wear UVA/UVB protective sunglasses--children can wear them too.

• Have children use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.
• Apply sunscreen generously before all outdoor physical activities such as swimming, skateboarding, biking or even walking. Remember to apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply often, as perspiration will reduce the effectiveness.

The UV Index is a measure of the strength of the sun's burning ultraviolet rays. The higher the number, the stronger the sun. The daily UV Index forecast is a prediction of the maximum (early afternoon) UV Index for the day.

Sunblocks are opaque creams which create a physical barrier, blocking or reflecting UV radiation. These blockers can be applied to particularly sensitive areas, such as the nose or tops of ears, for additional UV protection.

Updated May 2006

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Safety Canada July 2002