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A woman in a sleeveless green dress stands at a clear podium, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long, dark hair and wears a pink ribbon pin, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. A projection screen behind her shows a live feed of her speech.

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A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
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UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks

UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks
Photo by Daoudi Aissa on Unsplash
Beth Frutkin
By Beth FrutkinJun 02, 2025
Beth Frutkin
Founder and driving force behind Divine Health, Beth combines her expertise in marketing and technology to make health information accessible, engaging, and impactful. Her passion for health education stems from personal experiences and a desire to bridge the gap between science and everyday wellness, ensuring readers have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Through Divine Health, she curates and shares valuable insights on nutrition, fitness, mental health, medical advancements, and emerging health trends.
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Every July, UV Safety Month serves as a critical public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of sun protection. Sponsored in part by organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this awareness campaign aims to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of skin cancer and other UV-related health conditions.

Why UV Safety Matters

UV radiation, a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds, is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays reach the surface and pose serious health risks.

Skin Cancer Risk

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer annually, with treatment costs exceeding $8.1 billion per year (CDC, 2022). Research shows that approximately 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2023).

Moreover, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has seen rising incidence rates, particularly in young adults and fair-skinned populations. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 100,640 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S., and nearly 8,290 people will die from the disease (ACS, 2024).

The Rise in UV-Related Medical Issues

1. Climate and Environmental Factors

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that depletion of the ozone layer—a natural UV filter—has increased UVB levels, leading to a greater risk of skin cancers and cataracts globally (WHO, 2023). Additionally, climate change and longer summers mean more intense and prolonged UV exposure.

2. Tanning and Lifestyle Risks

Despite warnings, indoor tanning remains a health risk, especially among teens and young adults. The CDC reports that indoor tanning increases the risk of developing melanoma by 59%, and the risk increases with each use (CDC, 2021).

3. Eye Damage and Immune Suppression

UV radiation also affects the eyes and immune system. The American Optometric Association (AOA) notes that excessive UV exposure can lead to photokeratitis, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even temporary vision loss (AOA, 2023). UV rays can also suppress immune responses in the skin, reducing the effectiveness of the body’s defense mechanisms (EPA, 2022).

How to Stay Protected

UV Safety Month emphasizes prevention through simple but effective behaviors:

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Avoid indoor tanning altogether.
  • Monitor the UV Index, available via the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and weather services, to gauge daily risk.

The EPA’s UV Index provides real-time data on the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation and helps guide outdoor activity decisions (EPA, 2024).

UV Safety Month plays a vital role in promoting awareness about a preventable health hazard that affects millions annually. As rates of UV-related conditions like skin cancer, cataracts, and sunburns continue to rise, education and proactive behavior are our best tools for protection. By spreading awareness and adopting sun-safe habits, we can protect ourselves and future generations from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

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A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages

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