By: Charity Joy Archog

Facts About Sun Exposure

We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D which
helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn’t take much time
in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure
to the sun’s UV rays can cause skin and eye damage, immune system suppression,
and even cancer.

- UVA rays can cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer,
such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer,
they make up the majority of our sun exposure.

- UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts, and immune
system damage.

- UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked
by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth
 Sun Safety
Sun safety is something that you will have to be aware
of. Maximum safety can be achieved through a combination
of personal and environmental strategies. These are the
strategies recommended:
- Avoid or minimise sun exposure between 10a.m.-
4p.m.
- Make use of available shade.
- Wear a broad brimmed hat.
- Wear protective clothing
- Use a broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen.
- Implement a ”No hat, play in the shade.”
Environmental Strategies
Environmental strategies shield children from direct and indirect UVR. They
include:
- Placing UVR barriers above and to the side of designated play areas.
- Reducing the reflection of UVR from nearby areas in to the designated play
areas
- Increasing the size of the shaded area to allow children and adults to use
the centre of the area instead of the sides

Shade planning
Shade planning and design will be influenced by the number of children
and the size of the outdoor play area. The planning stage should involve:
- A study of the usage patterns of the outdoor play space
- Assessment of the existing shade and it’s usability
- Assessment of the expected UVR reflection (indirect UVR)
 My Sun Safety Place
E
N
W
.t Sr ega G

(Before)
 The Place
What is done?
- Trees along the sides of the oval
- Darker grass which does not reflect so much of the UVR rays
- Good shade planning at the oval sides

What can still be done?

- Plant more trees at the corner of Gager St. and Lisbon St.
- Make the grass a little more darker (if possible)
- When the sun is at the east side, little shade is given. We can
plant some small bushes near the little bush near the corner.
 My Sunny Place

E
N
W
.t Sr ega G

(After)
What: Sun Safety Presentation
When: April 10-29, 2009

Resources:
www.kidshealth.org
www.cancer.org
www.pscwa.org.au
www.google.com.au

Made by:
Charity Joy Archog
Year 8
Sunnybank S. H. S.