Shining Light on Farm Safety
Eclipse Your Risk with Sun Protection Strategies
The sun may be fully out of sight as the total solar eclipse path makes its way across out territory, but that doesn’t mean we can put our sun protection aside. Due to prolonged sun exposure on the job, farmers and agricultural workers are among the occupational groups at the highest risk of developing skin cancer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation from the sun is the culprit in many cases of skin cancer. UV radiation is divided into three main categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and poses minimal risk, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin, causing short-term effects like sunburn and long-term effects that contribute to skin aging and cancer development.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 and having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. The damage from the sun doesn’t disappear when the sunburn heals, so preventing the damage in the first place is your best line of defense.
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
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Protective Clothing: While adding layers is the last thing you want to do in Arkansas summers, it can be one of your best lines of defense against UV damage. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can help shield the skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
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Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after sweating.
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Seek Shade: Take regular breaks in shaded areas during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, schedule outdoor tasks for early morning or late afternoon to minimize sun exposure.
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Regular Skin Checks: Perform monthly self-examinations of the skin to monitor for any changes, including new moles, freckles, or lesions. Consult a dermatologist if you notice any concerning abnormalities or signs of skin cancer.
Don’t let other priorities this summer eclipse the importance of sun protection measures. The damage dealt by the sun is permanent, so the best medicine is prevention. To learn more about reducing your risk and detecting skin cancer early, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation.
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