Myths About Sun Exposure
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: July 26, 2012
JOPLIN, MO-- "You produce a compound called melanin which is the body's response to UV damage. If fact, even if you don't burn, just by getting a tan, that's representative of skin damage." And Freeman Oncologist John Vu points out that happens whether it's sunny or cloudy outside. "Clouds, they do filter a portion of UV that comes through the ozone. But they estimate that approximately 80% will still pass thru the clouds and reach the earth's surface."
Clothing that covers more of your skin can help - but doesn't provide complete protection. For example, dark clothes are more of a barrier to the sun. Vu added, "Reflect some of it and absorb some of it. Whereas a white T shirt or wet clothes allows more UV to get through. They estimate a white T shirt has an SPF of 7 - 15."
And sitting in a car doesn't mean you won't get burned. Vu said, "UVA is the type that will pass through clear glass. If you have a tinted window or a darker panel glass, then it does block some of the UVA rays."
