FAQs
- About ultraviolet radiation
- About schools and early childhood services
- About workplaces and local government
- About checking your skin for skin cancer
- About vitamin D
- About solariums
- For media
- Top 10 FAQs
... about ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Can I feel UV radiation?
The sun sends out visible light, infrared and UV radiation. Our eyes see the visible light as sunlight. Our skin feels the warmth of infrared radiation. Our skin cannot however detect UV radiation – we cannot see or feel it so it can damage our skin without us knowing. When people say they ‘feel themselves getting burnt' or they ‘feel a sting in the sun', they are confusing infrared radiation with UV radiation.
Is temperature related to levels of UV radiation?
Temperature relates to the amount of infrared radiation present in sunlight, not UV radiation. Temperature should not be used as a guide to when sun protection is needed. When the temperature is cool, it means there is less infrared radiation, but UV levels can still be high.
Why do I still get sunburnt on a cloudy day?
It is possible for UV radiation to pass through clouds. The amount of UV radiation that gets through depends on how thick the clouds are. Heavy cloud reduces UV levels. UV levels on lightly overcast days can be similar to that of a cloud-free day. UV levels rise and fall as clouds pass in front of the sun on a day of scattered cloud. On a cloudy day, try checking the real time UV graph to see the effects.
Why does Australia have high levels of UV radiation?
Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world because we are close to the equator where the sun sits and have a lot of clear blue-sky days. The Earth's orbit also takes countries in the southern hemisphere (Australia included) closer to the sun in their summertime than countries in the northern hemisphere are during their summer.
How does UV radiation from the sun reach me on the ground?
UV radiation can reach you in a direct path from the sun. The closer you are to the sun, the less distance UV has to travel and the stronger it will be. UV radiation can also be scattered by particles in the air and reflected from nearby buildings and ground surfaces. These are sometimes called indirect sources of UV radiation.
... about schools and early childhood services
Can I apply sunscreen to my baby?
If being in the sun is unavoidable, try to use a cover for the pram or cover as much of your baby's skin with loose-fitting, cool clothing and a hat. Apply sunscreen on those small areas of skin still exposed. It's a good idea to test the sunscreen on a small area of your baby's skin to make sure there won't be any reaction. Try a sensitive formula, as it will be less likely to cause irritation.
How often should sunscreen be applied?
Many families apply sunscreen in the morning before dropping their children off at school, kindergarten or childcare. This sunscreen will only be effective for about two hours and will need to be reapplied throughout the day to help protect skin. From approximately three years of age, help your child apply their own sunscreen so they can develop independent skills. Applying sunscreen can then be as much of an outdoor habit as wearing a hat. If they start early, they'll be experts by the first day of school.
Are sun hats needed all year in Victoria?
Sun protection is needed whenever UV levels reach 3 and above (the level UV can start to do some damage). In Victoria average UV levels are 3 and above from September to the end of April so a combination of sun protection measures are needed for all outdoor activities during these months. From May to August average UV levels are below three so it's a good time to get some winter vitamin D. Check the SunSmart UV Alert to see daily forecast UV levels and the times sun protection is or isn't required.
Do we need to stay inside during the middle of the day?
The sun's UV radiation is most intense during the middle part of the day between 10am and 3pm. SunSmart encourages active, outdoor play by using a combination of sun protection measures such as covering clothing, wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, shade and, if practical, sunglasses. There is no need to stay inside if you are using all of these sun protection steps.
... about workplaces and local government
What are the guidelines around heat & UV in the workplace?
All employers must protect employees by providing a safe working environment that is free of health risks. This includes taking the proper steps to reduce the known health risks associated with exposure to UV radiation and heat. UV radiation and heat pose different health risks. Heat increases the risk of heat stress and heat illness while UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage and lead to skin cancer.
It is important not to rely on the temperature as a guide to sun protection. Check the UV Alert to find out the UV level for your area each day. When the UV is 3 and above, take steps to ensure that your employees have access to SPF 30+ sunscreen, shade, long sleeved clothing, hats and that they wear sunglasses when working outdoors.
... about checking your skin for skin cancer
How will I know if my skin has changed?
Take the time to get to know how your skin normally looks. Be familiar with the various moles, blemishes, marks and freckles that are normal for you. You'll then notice if they change or if new spots appear.
How do I know what to look for?
When checking your skin, look for anything unusual or suspicious. Skin cancer can appear as a new spot or an existing spot that has changed. Make an appointment to see your GP if you see anything on the skin that has changed in size shape or colour, if you see anything that was not there before or if your concerned about anything you have noticed.
What do I do if I notice something unusual?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual or have concerns about your skin. Over 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
Should I visit a skin clinic?
There are many skin cancer clinics available, offering a variety of services and fee arrangements. Skin specialists, such as Dermatologists, do not necessarily operate skin clinics. Cancer Council Victoria does not recommend any individual skin check service providers or skin cancer clinics.
... about vitamin D
Do I need to get more sun to help me avoid vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D helps to develop and maintain healthy bones and UV radiation from the sun is one of the best sources for vitamin D.
From September to April, average UV levels are 3 and above in Victoria, which is enough to cause skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Sun protection is needed at these times of the year. During these months most people receive enough vitamin D simply by going about their day-to-day activities. Generally you only need a few minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms and hands, or equivalent area of the skin, before 10 am or after 3 pm, on most days of the week. Adults and children with naturally very dark skin may need three to six times these exposure times.
From May to August UV levels are generally low (below 3) in Victoria so sun protection is not needed unless in alpine regions, near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or outside for extended periods of time.
To get enough sun over these autumn and winter months, expose your face, arms and hands (or equivalent area of skin) to the sun for two to three hours spread over the week. People with naturally very dark skin may need three to six times these exposure levels.
Isn't a solarium a good way to get vitamin D?
Never try to boost vitamin D levels at any time of the year through excessive UV exposure or through using solariums, as both are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. If you think you maybe vitamin D deficient, speak to your doctor.
... about solariums
Isn't solarium tanning safer than tanning in the sun, especially as I don't burn?
Solariums make levels of UV radiation up to three times stronger than the midday summer sun. It's like a UV index of 36 whereas the UV index in Victoria at its peak rarely exceeds 12. Tanning without burning can still cause skin damage and premature ageing, and increase your skin cancer risk.
Research shows that using solariums before the age of 35 boosts the risk of melanoma by 75%.
There is no such thing as a safe tan – a tan is a sign of your skin cells in trauma.
I need a tan for a special occasion, which tan is safest?
‘Love the skin you're in'. If you must tan then use fake tanning products.
Does a fake tan provide protection?
Fake tanning lotion does not improve your body's ability to protect itself from the sun, so you will still need sun protection. Some fake tans have sunscreen in them, but this only works for the first two hours after application, like any other sunscreen.
... for media
How can I get a SunSmart logo?
The logo may only be provided for legitimate use in certain circumstances. It may not be used without permission and you must have written approval.
Visit the Cancer Council Victoria website for more information about requesting the use of the logo.
Can I download and use information from the SunSmart website?
Visit the Cancer Council Victoria website for information about intellectual property and use of content and materials from the website for educational, personal, and non-commercial purposes.
Where can I find the latest statistics?
Go to Facts and stats at a glance for the 10 most often quoted statistics, facts and research findings with references provided. Go to Our research for information about current research and evaluation projects.
Media students and SunSmart information
SunSmart receives a lot of requests from students for program information and interviews. Before contacting us, use this website to gather information.
Students can quote this website. If you quote a Cancer Council spokesperson or use information from our websites, please send us a final version of your assignment for our files.
Contact us if you wish to organise an interview (in person or on the phone) or photo opportunity. Your email request must be received no less than two weeks in advance. An interview is not guaranteed and depends on staff availability.
Students enquiring about a student placement or work experience with SunSmart should send a cover letter and CV to HR@cancervic.org.au noting your preference for a placement with the SunSmart program.
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