Little Known Risk To Truck Drivers - Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer

There are many things that a truck driver wouldn’t leave home without. Log book . . . check. Map . . . check. Cell Phone . . . check. Sunscreen . . . uh, wait a minute, that’s not on the packing list.

You know the potential dangers of prolonged exposure to UV Rays and the best method of protection is to cover up and wear sunscreen. But did you know that, even in your cab, you are exposed to harmful UV rays that can lead to skin damage and skin cancer?

Here are some things you should know about UV rays.

The cab window typically protects against UVB rays. These are the main cause of sunburn and the leading cause of most skin cancers.
The cab window typically does not protect against UVA rays. These rays damage the skin’s DNA, cause the cells to age, and can lead to some skin cancers.
UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Over exposure to UV rays causes the skin to lose its ability to repair itself.
UV rays are not just a summer problem; you are exposed to UV rays all year round.
UV rays are not diminished by cold temperatures or cloud cover.
One in seven Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Truckers are at a higher risk of skin damage and skin cancer due to their prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Driver’s heads and necks receive the most UV exposure.

Protecting yourself from UV rays is simple and you probably already do most of the things below. Here are some tips to protect you against UV rays.

Drive with the cab window up.
Wear long sleeved shirts.
Wear a hat.
Wear UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, yes even in the winter, to the areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun.

Doing these 5 things will protect your skin and help you avoid the famous trucker’s tan.