Sun Safety

​	​​Sunburn is the most common UV-related injury from sunlight exposure. In snow-covered areas Soldiers risk both sunburn and snow blindness, a brief painful swelling of the eye.

Snow blindness

• In snow-covered areas Soldiers risk both sunburn and "snow blindness," a brief painful swelling of the eye.   
• High lifetime sun exposure increases the risk for skin cancer and cataract blindness.

Sunscreen

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply sunscreen liberally (minimum of 1 oz) approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours throughout the day.
• Apply sunscreen first, followed by repellent containing DEET. Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes prior to applying DEET skin repellent and reapply sunscreen more often throughout the day.

Shade

• Work and rest in the shade when possible. Construct shades if necessary.
• Short shadow = seek shade! The sun's rays are strongest between 100 and 1600 hours.

Clothing

• Use wide-brimmed hats to protect your eyes, head and neck.
• Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing to cover your arms, legs and torso.

Eyewear

• Eyewear should block UV rays. Military Combat Eye Protection items block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
• Use wraparound design eyewear if possible. These will protect against sun rays that come from the front and side.
  

Health Information Products

(Create an account to download or order the following products from the Health Information Products eCatalog.)

• View HIP eCatalog sun products