Air and Sun

• The Ozone Layer - A Reason To Protect Ourselves
• The UV Index
• Sun Safety For All
• Air Quality and Health
• How does air pollution affect my health and the health of my family?
• What can I do to protect my health and the health of my family?

The Ozone Layer - A Reason To Protect Ourselves

The earth's ozone layer protects all life on earth from excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. UV is a type of light emitted by the sun or certain kinds of artificial light. As the ozone layer thins, the amount of UV reaching the earth's surface increases.

Exposure to UV is the main cause of skin cancer. It can also cause tanning, sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage and a decrease in immune system response. There are two types of UV rays. UVB rays (280-315 nm) are responsible for delayed tanning and sunburning. UVA rays (315-400 nm) cause immediate tanning, premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and immunosuppression. UVA is prevalent in tanning parlors.

The UV Index

The UV index indicates the intensity of the sun's UVB rays. There are five categories -- low, moderate, high, very high and extreme. You should always take precautions when you go out under the sun and the UV index is equal or higher then 3. The index is often included with weather reports and is a good tool to help choose proper sun protection.

Sun Safety For All

Before you head for the beach, the park or even the back-yard, take a few minutes to learn about sun safety. You can protect your family and still have fun under the sun. This advice applies to everyone regardless of age or ethnicity.

• Avoid needless exposure to the sun.
• Protect your eyes by wearing UV blocking sunglasses.
• Select shaded areas for outdoor activities.
• Clothing such as a broad brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants can protect your skin. Tuck a handkerchief under the back of your hat to help prevent sunburn on the neck.
• If you can't cover up, use a sunscreen containing a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, verify it has both UVA and UVB protection, re-apply every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
• Avoid using sun lamps.
• Some medication can make skin more sensitive to UV rays, consult your doctor if you have any questions.
• Don't let infants or children play or sleep in the sun in a playpen, carriage, stroller, etc.
• Get children used to wearing sunscreen lotion, paying particular attention to the most exposed parts - the lips, face, neck, shoulders, back, knees and tops of feet.
• People can use both sunscreen and insect repellents when they are outdoors to protect their health. Follow the instructions on the package for proper applications of each product. Apply the sunscreen first, followed by the insect repellent.

Find out more...

• Ultraviolet Radiation
• Preventing Skin Cancer
• Protecting your Family
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreens
• Smog
• Outdoor Air

Air Quality and Health

Air pollution is a year round problem, but in the summertime there are additional factors that can increase air pollution problems. Some pollution results from chemical reactions that require sunlight. Pollutants can build up in stagnant or slow moving air masses that combine local air pollution with what has already been added by upwind sources. Heat and smog can provide a double attack on the vulnerable.

How does air pollution affect my health and the health of my family?

• There are many different types of air pollutants. Depending on the length of time you are exposed, your health status, your genetic background and the concentration of pollutants, air pollution can have a negative effect on your respiratory and cardiovascular systems by:
  • Making it harder to breathe
  • Irritating your lungs and airways
  • Worsening chronic diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and asthma
  • Causing heart problems such as heart failure, blood clotting, and altered heart rates and rhythms.
• Each individual reacts differently to air pollution. Children, the elderly and those with heart or lung disease are most sensitive to the adverse health effects of air pollution.
• People participating in sports or strenuous work outdoors breathe deeply and rapidly, allowing more air pollution to enter their lungs. They may have difficulty breathing when air pollution levels are high.
• Negative health effects increase as air pollution worsens. Studies have shown that even modest increases in air pollution can cause small but measurable increases in emergency room visits, hospital admissions and death. Small increases in air pollution over a short period of time can exacerbate illness among those at risk.

What can I do to protect my health and the health of my family?

• You can better protect yourself and those under your care by understanding how air pollution can affect your health, and by checking the Air Quality Health Index on a regular basis.
• To check the Air Quality Health Index reading for your community or to learn more about how air pollution can affect our health, visit  airhealth.ca.
• Community or regional air quality warnings or advisories may be issued when air pollution is above a certain level. Remember though, some people can experience increased health problems below warning levels.
• It's up to you to protect your health. When the Air Quality Health Index reading rises, Canadians can:
  • Reduce or reschedule outdoor physical activities
  • Monitor possible symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing or irritated eyes
  • Follow a doctor's advice to manage existing conditions such as heart or lung disease