Written by: Andra Campos, Founder of Solace for Outdoor Workers
Credit: Unsplash
Outdoor workers, such as construction workers, landscapers, and farmers, spend countless hours under the sun, making them especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While the sun provides essential vitamin D, overexposure can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer. Outdoor workers are particularly at risk, and it’s crucial to understand the importance of sun safety in preventing these dangers.
Skin cancer is no joke—it is a growing concern worldwide. It's estimated that the number of skin cancer cases will double by 2045 if preventive measures are not taken seriously (American Cancer Society, 2023). This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive steps toward sun safety, especially for those who work outdoors.
Outdoor workers face unique challenges when it comes to sun exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outdoor workers can receive up to eight times more UV radiation than indoor workers (CDC, 2022). This significantly increases their risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Studies have shown that outdoor workers have a 77% higher risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population (Buller et al., 2017).
In addition to the increased risk of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure can also lead to other health issues, such as sunburn, premature aging, and eye damage. The effects of sun damage are cumulative, meaning the risk increases with each additional hour spent in the sun over the years (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2023).
Recognizing these risks, our nonprofit organization, Solace for Outdoor Workers, is dedicated to promoting sun safety among those who spend their days working outside. Our mission is to educate outdoor workers about the dangers of UV radiation and to provide them with sun protection resources, such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
One of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer is through education and awareness. Many outdoor workers may not fully understand the risks associated with UV radiation or the best ways to protect themselves. By providing educational resources and raising awareness, we can help outdoor workers take the necessary steps to safeguard their health.
At Solace for Outdoor Workers, we are committed to making a difference. We are looking for passionate individuals to become chapter advisors, who will start clubs at their schools focused on sun safety. These clubs will collect sunscreen donations and distribute educational materials to increase awareness about the importance of sun protection.
Our goal is to create a network of informed and proactive communities dedicated to reducing the risk of skin cancer among outdoor workers. By working together, we can ensure that those who work under the sun every day have the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and healthy.
If you are interested in joining our mission or starting a chapter at your school, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of outdoor workers and promote a culture of sun safety and prevention.
References:
American Cancer Society. (2023). Skin cancer facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news.html
Buller, D. B., Cokkinides, V., Hall, H. I., Hartman, A. M., Saraiya, M., Miller, E., ... & Glanz, K. (2017). Prevalence of sunburn, sun protection, and indoor tanning behaviors among Americans: Review from the CDC's National Health Interview Survey. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(6), 1116-1122. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Skin cancer rates by race and ethnicity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/race.htm
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2023). The dangers of tanning. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/tanning/dangers/