Shadow rule for preventing sunburn
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Shadow rule for preventing sunburn
The shadow rule is a way to estimate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light on a sunny day. A shadow that is longer than the person means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than the person means the UV exposure is high.
The risk of sunburn and skin damage is greater at higher levels of UV exposure. During times when a person's shadow is short, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., it is best to stay indoors or in the shade. If outside, wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can help protect a person's skin and eyes.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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