Hazards to Outdoor Workers: UV Radiation

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer and between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Working outdoors during these times increases the chances of getting sunburned. Snow and light-colored sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn. At work sites with these conditions, UV rays may reach workers' exposed skin from both above and below. Workers are at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days. Many drugs increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting sunburn. Some common ones include thiazides, diuretics, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfa antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.

Workers at increased risk of UV damage include lifeguards, construction workers, agricultural workers, landscapers, gardeners, and other outdoor workers.

Sunburn is an often painful sign of skin damage from spending too much time outdoors without wearing a protective sunscreen. Years of overexposure to the sun lead to premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In addition to the skin, eyes can get burned from sun exposure. Sunburned eyes become red, dry, and painful, and feel gritty. Chronic exposure of eyes to sunlight may cause pterygium (tissue growth that leads to blindness), cataracts, and perhaps macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Symptoms

Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. Symptoms usually start about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen in 24-36 hours, and resolve in 3-5 days. Symptoms may include:

• Red, warm, and tender skin
• Swollen skin
• Blistering
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Fatigue

The pain from sunburn is worse 6-48 hours after sun exposure. Skin peeling usually begins 3-8 days after exposure.

First Aid

There is no quick cure for minor sunburn:

• Symptoms can be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain and headache and reduce fever.
• Drinking plenty of water helps to replace fluid losses.
• Cool baths or the gentle application of cool wet cloths on the burned area may also provide some comfort.
• Workers with sunburns should avoid further exposure until the burn has resolved.
• Additional symptomatic relief may be achieved through the application of a topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
• A low-dose (0.5%-1%) hydrocortisone cream, which is sold over the counter, may be helpful in reducing the burning sensation and swelling and speeding up healing.

If blistering occurs:

• Lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent infection.
• The blisters should not be broken, as this will slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
• When the blisters break and the skin peels, dried fragments may be removed and an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream may be applied.
• Seek medical attention if any of the following occur:
  • Severe sunburns covering more than 15% of the body
  • Dehydration
  • High fever (>101°F)
  • Extreme pain that persists for longer than 48 hours
     

Skin Cancer Types

Basal Cell

• A small raised bump that looks smooth, shiny, and translucent.
• A small, pink, crater-like growth with a raised, rolled border and an indentation in the center.
• A scar-like area that is white, yellow, or waxy.
• Reddish, irritated patches of skin.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Can usually be removed by excision or topical treatments.
• If diagnosed and treated early, basal cell cancers can be cured.

Squamous Cell

• Crusty, warty appearance.
• A raised growth with a depression in the center.
• Scaly, red patch area.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Can usually be removed by excision or topical treatments.
• If diagnosed and treated early, squamous cell cancers can be cured.

Melanoma

Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles.

• Dark mole-like appearance.
• Flat or slightly elevated discolored patch (tan, brown, red, black, blue, or white).
• Change on the skin:
• New spot developing.
• Change in size, color, or shape of existing spot or mole.
• Malignant melanoma carries significant, even fatal implications.
• Incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising, affecting people of all ages.

Symptoms

In particular, watch for:

• Irregular borders on moles (ragged, notched, or blurred edges).
• Moles that are not symmetrical (one half doesn't match the other).
• Colors that are not uniform throughout.
• Moles that are bigger than a pencil eraser.
• Sores that bleed and do not heal.
• Itchy or painful moles.
• Red patches or lumps.
• New moles.

Information obtained from CDC.GOV

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