Solar radiation is hazardous for children. Rates of skin cancer in the United States have been rising steadily over the past three decades and are closely associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, one source of which is the sun. Blistering sunburns in childhood and adolescence are especially dangerous and are strongly associated with increased risk of skin cancer. Blond or red-haired and blue-eyed children, who often have lighter complexions, are at a higher risk for solar injury, because their skin contains smaller quantities of the protective pigment melanin than children with darker complexions.
The two most effective ways to protect children from excessive solar radiation are sunscreen or sunblock and sun-protective clothing.
Solar radiation is hazardous for children. Rates of skin cancer in
the United States have been rising steadily over the past three
decades and are closely associated with exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) radiation, one source of which is the...
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Dr. Philip Landrigan of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Solar radiation is hazardous for children. Rates of skin cancer in the United States have been rising steadily over the past three decades and are closely associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, one source of which is the sun. Blistering sunburns in childhood and adolescence are especially dangerous and are strongly associated with increased risk of skin cancer. Blond or red-haired and blue-eyed children, who often have lighter complexions, are at a higher risk for solar injury, because their skin contains smaller quantities of the protective pigment melanin than children with darker complexions.
