July is UV Safety Awareness Month which brings attention to the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and promotes safe sun practices. UV radiation is emitted by both natural sunlight and artificial sources such as tanning beds. While UV radiation has beneficial effects, including the production of vitamin D, overexposure presents significant risks including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Thus, it is important to stay protected, with special attention during the summer months.
Several practical resources and guidelines can help you stay safe:
- UV Index Tool – A daily updated online forecast that provides the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun
- The Shadow Rule – if your shadow is taller than you (early morning and late afternoon), UV exposure is likely lower; if your shadow is shorter than you (around midday), you’re exposed to higher UV radiation levels
- Comprehensive Sun Safety Guidelines – Key practices including sunscreen application (SPF 15+, reapplied every two hours), protective clothing, seeking shade during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and extra caution near reflective surfaces
Learn more from New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)‘s UV Safety Awareness Month page.
New York City Health + Hospitals (H+H) also offers guides and resources on their Sun Safety Page, including articles about:
- Heat-Related Illness
- 5 Sun Safety Tips to Protect Your Skin
- What’s the Deal with SPF
- 3 Expert Sun Protection Tips
For additional ways to stay cool during hot summer weather, explore our article “Keep Cool: NYC Resources”
