Sun Safety
Unit 3: Ag Health 101
Oct. 6, 2023 – This is a Working Draft
This unit on Sun Safety assembles information to identify hazards and prevention tips to those working outdoors. We cover Heat Illness in its own unit, but additional concerns of sun exposures are covered in this chapter. Since farmers commonly ask about skin discolorations when visiting a health care provider, this chapter provides important descriptions that have images in the supporting materials for you to use and share. Our hope is that we can increase early detection of skin cancers with farmers and, equally important, that we can encourage health protective behaviors that reduce exposures and increase screening for farmers to improve health outcomes. We have incorporated answers to many questions farmers have about sun safety to help you prepare for conversations with farmers on this issue.
Note: The Heat Illness Unit complements this topic well.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Sun Safety
This chapter introduces you to some of the data regarding skin cancer in the US and with farmers in particular. This is to provide motivation for why this is an important topic to have conversations about with farmers.
Introduction to Sun Safety
Chapter 2: The Ultraviolet (UV) Index
This chapter explains a bit about ultraviolet light and how it is associated with skin cancers. It also explains the UV index that has been adopted globally so that you can understand how to find it and interpret what it means when you see it in your weather app or on the news.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index
Chapter 3: Skin Effects of UV Radiation
This chapter walks through different effects of sun on the skin, starting with sunburn and walking through the many forms of skin cancer. We provide you with tools to guide a conversation about screening and signs that would guide someone to seek medical advice regarding changes in skin appearance.
Skin Effects of UV Radiation
Chapter 4: Skin Protection Guidelines
Now that we have discussed adverse health outcomes, we dig in to how to protect your skin from UV radiation, covering how to apply and reapply sunscreen, clothing and sunglasses. We also answer some common questions farmers have about their tractor cab windows and UV penetration.
Skin Protection Guidelines
Chapter 5: Additional Risk Factors for Sun Damage
Additional Risk Factors for Sun Damaging Skin
Supporting Material File: Click On the Image Below to Download
