Sun protection

SunSmart home

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. This is due largely to our climate, the fact that many of us have fair skin that isn’t suited to such harsh conditions, our proximity to the equator and our love of the great outdoors. Sunburn and over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation are the main causes of skin cancers that affect half of all Australians at some stage of their lives. Unfortunately, more than 1600 Australians die from skin cancer anually, but despite this, more than five million Australians still get sun burnt each year.

However, the good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable

SunSmart UV
Shade
Clothing
Sunglasses
Hats
Sunscreen
Windows

Tasmanians should take the following steps to reduce their risk of skin cancer:
Make use of natural and built shade where possible
Take particular care when UV radiation levels are at their highest (between 10am and 3pm)
Wear sun protective clothing such as a shirt made from a tightly woven fabric, with sleeves and a collar
Wear a hat that protects the face, neck and ears
Wear close-fitting sunglasses that meet the Australian Standards AS1067
Use a broad spectrum, water resistant, SPF30+ sunscreen, and reapply every two hours
Before heading out check the UV Index in your favourite Tasmanian daily newspaper or visit www.bom.gov.au/products/uvindex_national.shtml#tas The Hobart UV Index is available on this webpage.

Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. Use about one teaspoon for each arm and leg, front of body and back of body, and a half a teaspoon on the face, neck and ears.