by Vicky Kenrick

Created on: May 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2008

Miles of white sand in Florida cane be irresistible for parents and young children this summer; the sun's warmth can provide the ideal retreat for a long week at work in stuffy office blocks. Although seen as appealing, there is clear evidence to state that careless behavior-without protecting yourself and your child with a sufficient factor sun block, can have serious consequences.

What are the consequences?

Sunlight produces two types of harmful rays; UVA and UVB - both cause major burning and could lead to sun cancer. The UVB rays are the burning rays of the sun and can be blocked out by glass whilst the UVA rays can penetrate through glass and deeper into the ski. Both these rays can harm the immune system and lead to the development and spread of skin cancer.

Children can develop sun burn in South Florida within 15 minutes of being exposed to the harmful rays of the sun without sufficient protection. South Florida is known as the most sunniest state in the US, so extra sunblock should be applied (Griffin, 2008). 50% of our total lifetime sun exposure occurs when we are children, so it is vital they remained protected with sun block throughout the day and early evening. Younger children should also be kept in the shade if possible, and the sun should be avoided between 10am and 2pm , especially in South Florida. When exposed to the sun, light clothing and a strong factor of sun block is highly recommended for children.

What Sun screen's should I use?
You should apply factor 50 with added UV protection for young children, you could also buy special UV shirts and shorts to protect their young skin even more.

When should I apply it?

The sun is more intense in South Florida and therefore is far more likely to induce sunburn in unprotected skin, especially children. We would recommended more frequent use of sun protection, applying it at lest every hour of being in the sun and especially after the children have been in water, even if sun block claims to be water resistant.

What types are there?
There is a difference between sunblock and sun screen; sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays. Sunblocks physically deflect UV rays.

The type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. Sunscreens come in many forms ointments, creams, gels, lotions, and wax sticks and can be waterproof and not waterproof. Please note that some children can be sensitive to PABA, the basic ingredient in most sunscreens, please be aware of this when buying the sunscreen. You should always consult your doctor about sunscreen use for children under 6 months (Broward County)

The UV Index tells you the level that the sun will penerate the O Zone layer by and can help determine how strong the sun is. It predicts the next day's UV levels on a 1-11+ scale that helps you decide what to do to be safe in the sun. To find out what the UV Index forecast is where you live you can visist: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html and enter your zip code.

Griffin 2008 : http://www.floridadisaster.org/kids/temperatures.htm
Broward County: http://www.broward.org/kids/facts.htm

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