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It’s UV Safety Awareness Month, so let’s shine some light on the topic: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted by both natural sunlight and artificial sources such as tanning beds and some types of lasers. UV radiation has benefits as well as risks. The beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of a vital nutrient for humans, vitamin D. However, overexposure may present risks, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer – and so it’s important to stay protected year-round from UV radiation.

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share the following information on how you and your family can avoid the dangers associated with UV rays while enjoying the summer.

UV Index and Recommended Sun Protection Precautions

The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Updated daily, the UV index is a useful tool for planning sun-safe outdoor activities – you can follow the recommendations for sun protection associated with each daily forecast.

The Shadow Rule

An easy way to determine how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:

• If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.

Sun Safety Tips

• Don’t get burned: Sunburn significantly increases one’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.

• Apply sunscreen: Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside.  Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolent B (UVB) rays. You should reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing: Wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

• Seek shade: Seek shade when possible and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Be extra cautious near Water, snow, and sand: Water, snow, and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

• Get vitamin D safely: Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D. Don’t seek the sun.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at .

For more information about UV safety, please visit: