CLOUDS ENHANCING SUNBURN AND HARMING CHILDREN

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................... 3

EVIDENCE CLOUDS ENHANCING UV RADIATION.................................................................................................. 3

.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

THE PROBLEM AND HOW ITS EFFECTING CHILDREN......................................................................................... 4

INDIVIDUAL FACTORS:............................................................................................................................................................ 4
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS................................................................................................................................................... 4

CURRENT ACTIONS TAKEN TO PROTECT CHILDREN.......................................................................................... 4

SOLUTION............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

HOW THE SOLUTION WORKS.................................................................................................................................................. 6

CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

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REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................... 2

CLOUDS ENHANCING UV RADIATION.................................................................................................................................... 3

EFFECTS ON CHILDREN INDIVIDUAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL............................................................................................... 3

CURRENT ACTIONS TAKEN TO PROTECT CHILDREN.......................................................................................... 5

SOLUTION............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................................................... 8

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Figure 1: The impact of different cloud cover and the percentage of enhanced UV rays 4

Figure 2: The age with frequent sunburns.......................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 3: Throughout the years, the use of different items that help with sunburn and how well they work..............5

Figure 1: The impact of different cloud cover and the percentage of enhanced UV rays............................................... 3

Figure 2: The age with frequent sunburns.......................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 3: Throughout the years, the use of different items that help with sunburn and how well they work..............5

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 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Clouds play a significant role in the enhancement of solar ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn and various
health risks. Clouds can either scatter or absorb solar UV radiation. When scattered, UV rays can be redirected towards
the Earth's surface, increasing the UV exposure. The interaction of clouds with UV radiation is highly variable and
depends on factors like cloud type, thickness, and altitude. This cloud-enhanced UV radiation can contribute to skin
damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly when people underestimate the UV risk on
cloudy days. An effective solution for sunburn prevention is the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
The most common UV rays that cause damage is the UVB rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both
UVA and UVB radiation. Understanding the potential for cloud-enhanced UV radiation and taking proactive measures to
protect the skin are crucial for minimizing the risk of sunburn and its associated health consequences. Especially for
children, who tend to be the main victim of sunburn, utilizing sunscreen and other protective strategies is key to reducing
the impact of UV radiation, whether on sunny or cloudy days. The mission at SunBum is, “we care about the planet. We
care about the animals. We care about our families. So, we continue to look for ways to make our products without stuff
that could hurt any of them” (SunBum). and every day the company works towards finding solutions to sunburn.

EV IDENCE CLOUDS ENHANCING UV RADIATION

In this study, researchers at Maastricht University (Thoonen, 2021), investigated the effect of clouds on biologically
damaging solar UV radiation (UVBE) across different seasons and solar zenith angles (SZA) ranging from 5 to 60
degrees. They used an integrated automatic system that measured both spectral UV data and cloud cover at five-minute
intervals. The results showed that the percentage of cloud enhanced UV Rays cases varied depending on the action
spectrum used. For example, In the diagram above,
the Murica and Zaragoza had the highest
percentage of cloud-enhanced cases, at 2.2%, The
researchers also calculated the ratio of measured
UV Rays to calculated cloud-free UV Rays for the
cloud-enhanced cases. Overall, the study
highlighted the influence of clouds on biologically
damaging UV radiation and how different action
spectra respond to cloud cover.

FIGURE 1: THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENT CLOUD COVER AND

THE PERCENTAGE OF ENHANCED UV RAYS

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 EFFECTS ON CHILDREN INDIVIDUAL AND ENVIRONMENTA THE
PROBLEM AND HOW ITS EFFECTING CHILDREN L

INDIVIDUAL FACTORS:

Social-cognitive models suggest that individual behavior is primarily determined by cognitive factors, with behavior being
a deliberate choice. This emphasizes the importance of socio-cognitive determinants such as attitudes, social norms, and
self-efficacy in predicting sun protection intentions and behaviors (Parisi & Downs, 2004). Recent studies indicate that
role-related beliefs, anticipated regret, self-efficacy, action planning, and habit play a role in parent-for-child sun
protection intentions and behaviors, particularly for very young children. The diagram provided shows how younger
children tend to get sunburn more frequently than adults.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS :
The physical environment, particularly exposure
to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), is a crucial
consideration in developing interventions for
skin cancer prevention. Behavior is viewed from
a social ecological perspective, with interactions
between individuals and their social, physical, or
political environments playing a central role.
Environmental interventions, such as creating
environments that facilitate sun protection
behaviors, have shown promise in enhancing sun
protection behaviors. Environmental efforts,
including policy changes (e.g., mandatory hat
use in primary schools) and economic
interventions (e.g., reducing sunscreen prices), can promote sun protection behaviors (Parisi & Downs, 2004). Adapting
the physical environment by providing cues like shade, sunscreen availability, and UV-index information in weather
forecasts can encourage sun protection behaviors. Environmental cues may also influence parental and children's shade-
seeking behaviors, but there needs to be more then just sunshade to protect parents and children because the lack of
education around sunburn can be life threatening.

FIGURE 2: THE AGE WITH FREQUENT SUNBURNS

CURRENT ACTIONS TAKEN TO
PROTECT CHILDREN

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This passage discusses the sun protection practices of parents, particularly concerning their children, and the challenges
they face. Parents frequently applied sunscreen with SPF50 as the primary method of sun protection for their children,
despite being aware of the importance of sun
avoidance and protective clothing.
According to this study, the diagram
provided shows how the use of certain
household items has improved over the years
and in families. They believed that using
sunscreen was sufficient. However, they
expressed uncertainty about sunscreen's
working mechanisms, such as its protection
duration and recommended amount. They
also questioned the effectiveness of water-
resistant sunscreen. Seeking shade was the
second most practiced sun protection
behavior. Parents mentioned using natural
shade from trees, parasols, beach tents, or
staying indoors as protection measures or
using hats, and sunglasses. However, they
tended to seek shade only during specific activities or after their children's skin had already become sunburned. Lack of
available shade in outdoor venues was a common barrier to sun avoidance. Parents often rely on sunscreen, but they have
concerns and uncertainties about its effectiveness. Shade-seeking behavior is a popular addition to sunscreen, but it is not
always practical due to the lack of available shaded areas. The lack of education about sunscreen and the distrust in the
product proves once again the importance of educating parents and children about sunscreen and sunburn.

According to a study done by (Parisi & Downs, 2004), it is noted that although all parents claimed to take precautions to
prevent sunburn, a high percentage of their FIGURE 3: THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, THE USE OF DIFFERENT ITEMS THAT
children (96%) had experienced sunburn at HELP WITH SUNBURN AND HOW WELL THEY WORK.
least once. Some parents reported incidents of
sunburn in their children in the previous summer months. Some parents shared personal experiences of being sunburnt
during their own childhood and expressed a strong desire to prevent their children from suffering the same fate.
Additionally, it was noted that the distinction between sun exposure being anticipated or unanticipated played a significant
role in the occurrence of sunburns. (Parisi & Downs, 2004).

THE SOLUTION

It is noted that the UV rays can be enhanced even with relatively clear skies with cloud cover. This suggests that there
may be a need for modified public advice on UV exposure times for situations with significant cloud cover. Parental
perceptions of sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn in their children, shedding light on potential areas for future
prevention efforts. Despite parents reporting their intention to engage in sun protection measures and using at least one
method, nearly all children had experienced sunburn. Sunscreen application was the most common method, reflecting
existing literature. However, parents often found sunscreen application challenging, and other protective behaviors like
seeking shade and wearing clothing were practiced less frequently. The study identified specific situations where sunburn
frequently occurred, such as water-related activities, lack of available shade, cloudy or cool weather leading to
underestimating UV index, and being caught by surprise. They also had doubts about sunscreen use, estimating
temperature and UV index inaccurately, and perceived sun protection as challenging. Limited shade availability,
especially at venues involving water, was seen as a significant challenge in protecting children from the sun. Increasing
access to shade and providing UV index warnings at public venues could be beneficial.

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 HOW THE SOLUTION WORKS

While some parents mentioned that their children could perform sun protection measures to some extent, none had plans
to teach their children. This decline in education surrounding sunburn and the impacts is hurting children. Encouraging
parents to teach their children sun protection behaviors is crucial to promote lifelong sun safety. There needs to be more
education for parents and children about the impacts of sunburn and debunk the myth that sunburn can't happen on cloudy
days. At SunBum, the plan is to start with adding commercials on tv about the importance of sunscreen and instructions
on when and how to apply it, also reducing prices slowly over the years and giving out free sunscreen to the public on
sunny and cloudy days! The company will slowly work towards adding sunshades to places that lack sun protection
structures. With the solution provided, it is indicated that it can improve protection from UV rays and help parents protect
their children from skin cancer and other harmful disruptions. Giving access to education about sunburn can help parents
protect their children from sunburn even on cloudy days. Sun Safety for The Next Generation Protect, the Groms is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with public, and charter elementary schools and nonprofits dedicated to
outdoor experiences around the country to provide playground shade structures, sun safety education and sunscreen to
kids who live and play in the sun. Our goal is to move the needle on skin cancer in America and hopefully stoke out a few
groms (children) along the way.

CONCLUSION

Findings revealed from the study by (Parisi & Downs, 2004) that the percentage of cloud-enhanced UV rays’ cases, with
Murica and Zaragoza displaying the highest percentage of cloud-enhanced cases at 2.2%. Regarding the effects on
children, the study emphasized the significance of individual and environmental factors in shaping sun protection
behaviors. The study shed light on specific situations where sunburn often occurred, such as water-related activities, lack
of available shade, and underestimation of UV index, further stressing the importance of enhancing sun protection
measures.

In conclusion, both study's findings suggested the need for more education about the effects of UV exposure, particularly
in situations with significant cloud cover. The recommendations emphasized the importance of having clear instructions
on the application of sunscreen, along with educating parents about effective sun protection measures. By improving the
education, and debunking myths surrounding sunburn, the proposed solution aims to enhance protection from harmful UV
rays and promote lifelong sun safety for children.

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 REFERENCES

Thoonen, K. A. H. J. (2021, April 15). Breaking through the clouds: Towards understanding sunburn, sun
exposure and Sun Protection of children in the Netherlands. Maastricht University.
https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/en/publications/breaking-through-the-clouds-towards-understanding-
sunburn-sun-exp

Parisi, A. V., & Downs, N. (2004, May 20). Variation of the enhanced biologically damaging solar UV due to
clouds. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2004/pp/b402035a#!

NJ;, P. A. D. (n.d.). Influence of high levels of cloud cover on vitamin D effective and Erythemal Solar UV
irradiances. Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry
Association and the European Society for Photobiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23108371/

Protect the groms®: Sun Safety for the next generation. Sun Bum. (2023).
https://www.sunbum.com/pages/protect-the-groms-sun-safety