New York State Department of Health Encourages Sun Safety During UV Awareness

Ultraviolet (UV) Rays are the Main Cause of Skin Cancer

Reduce Radiation from the Sun, Tanning Beds, Sunlamps and Other Tanning Methods

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 10, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health urges New Yorkers to practice sun safety to protect their skin during Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month. UV radiation (rays) comes from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps. Skin cancer is caused by UV rays and can occur anywhere on the body.

"Remember to use sunscreen and wear loose clothing when outside this summer to protect and cover your skin from dangerous ultraviolent radiation which can cause skin cancer," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is dangerous, whether from an indoor tanning device or from natural sunlight, the health risks increase for everyone. Even while outside on a cloudy day or in the shade, these simple protective measures are crucial to preventing skin damage, including skin cancer."

Indoor tanning is especially dangerous because it can expose people to very high levels of ultraviolet radiation in a short time. Tanning beds are much more intense than natural sun exposure.

Too much exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal, squamous, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous, because it can spread to other parts of the body. In New York State, more than 4,400 residents are diagnosed with melanoma yearly, and it claims over 350 lives in the same period.

Avoiding exposure to UV rays is important to lower risk for skin cancer and skin damage. Ultraviolet radiation is present throughout the year, no matter what the weather. Clouds do not offer protection from UV rays.

In observance of UV Awareness Month, the Department urges New Yorkers to protect their skin by following these simple recommendations: 

  • Wear protective clothing, such as wide brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts and long pants.  
  • Wear sunglasses that block both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). Sunglasses will protect the skin around the eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
  • Use a sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum" with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of UV rays, while an SPF 30 blocks out 97 percent of UV rays. The higher the number, the better protection from UV rays.
  • Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and again every two hours and after swimming or perspiring.
  • One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to completely cover the exposed areas of the body.
  • Avoid the midday sun, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

It is against New York State law for anyone under 18 years of age to use a tanning bed, booth or sun lamp at indoor tanning facilities, and valid photo identification must be presented before using the device. Indoor tanning devices can produce UV radiation levels 15 times greater than sunlight. The Department strongly discourages using tanning devices and those who do should follow recommendations outlined in the Tanning Hazards Information Sheet.

Generally, young people are at a greater risk of sunburns and other effects of UV rays because they can lead to an increased risk for future skin cancers. Parents should protect their children by keeping infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight, and keeping older children protected by reapplying sunscreen and covering exposed areas whenever in the sun.

Some people are more likely to develop skin cancer. While risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, people with the following risk factors should take special care to reduce their UV exposure:

  • Lighter natural skin color.
  • Family history of skin cancer.
  • History of sunburns, especially early in life.
  • History of indoor tanning.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes. 

The New York State Cancer Consortium is a statewide network made up of more than 400 members from the public and private sectors whose missions are aligned with reducing cancer incidence and mortality. The Consortium's Skin Cancer Action Team works to reduce the melanoma death rate in New York State. 

For more information about UV safety for children and adolescents, view and download the Department's Take a Stand Against the Tan flyer, which is also available in Spanish. 

More information about tanning and sun safety can be found at www.health.ny.gov/sunsafety.