Quiz: Southern Exposure
Sunblock. Sunblock. Sunblock. We truly can’t say it enough. Also hats, sunglasses, and swim shirts with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 30. But there is actually another aspect to skin protection that can help you plan your sunny, summer days in coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry. You can avoid skin damage in the present and skin cancer in the future with a deeper understanding of the sun’s rays:
1. The sun emits what type of ultraviolet rays?
A. UVA
B. UVB
C. UVC
D. All of the above.
2. What hours of the day are you most at risk from the sun’s rays?
A. 7 a.m. to Noon
B. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
C. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
D. Noon to 5 p.m.
3. Too much exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of not only skin cancer but also lip cancer and cataracts, a clouding of the lens of your eyes.
A. True
B. False 
4. The UV index is ____.
A. The rating system for sunblock
B. The rating system for protective clothing
C. The forecast of UV radiation based on the local weather forecast
D. None of the above
5. Medications have no effect on your sensitivity to the sun.
A. True
B. False
6. The most effective way of protecting yourself from UV rays is to:
A. Avoid being in the sun during peak hours
B. Wear UPF clothing, a hat with a full brim, and wraparound sunglasses
C. Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
D. All of the above
Answers:
1. D. All of the above. UV rays are an invisible form of radiation that streams from the sun, and they come in three ranges. All are damaging, but UVA is the most abundant as most of UVB and all of UVC are absorbed by the ozone layer.
2. C. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But remember, although these are the hours you are most at risk, you still need to protect your skin any time of day that you are exposed to the sun, even outside this window of time.
3. A. True. UV rays have been linked to the development of lip cancer and associated with cataracts and other eye conditions.
4. C. The forecast of UV radiation based on the local weather forecast. The scale goes from 1 to 11+. An index of 3 to 7 is considered moderate to high and requires good skin protection habits.
5. B. False. Some medications, including ibuprofen, can cause photosensitivity and can result in rashes or sunburn-like skin conditions in some people. Always check the labels for possible side effects, including photosensitivity, and avoid the sun if possible when taking these drugs.
6. D. All of the above. Be safe and smart whenever you are under the sun.
Source: The Health Library