When the UV Index is 3 or above (such as during summer), most people maintain adequate vitamin D levels just by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week. UV radiation levels vary depending on location, time of year, time of day, cloud coverage and the environment.įor most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular incidental exposure to the sun. The best source of vitamin D is UVB radiation from the sun. How much sun do we need for healthy bones? We need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy. Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight.

Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In Australia, we need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.

A new or changing mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends these action steps to help you and your family be Sun Safe.Įarly detection of melanoma can save your life. By following some simple steps, you can still enjoy your time in the sun and protect yourself from overexposure. More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. This Web page explains simple steps to protect you and your children from overexposure to UV radiation. It can also lead to more serious health problems, including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system suppression. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can result in a painful sunburn.

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Download the Sun Safety Action Steps (PDF) (2pp, 79KB).

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