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UV Safety at Work: Protecting Yourself from Daily Exposure
Sun protection is often associated with beach days and outdoor activities (think about cycling and hiking), but those who work in offices are a group that often overlook the risks. With many organizations bringing employees back to the office after years of remote work, many are returning to daily commutes and desk jobs. It’s easy to assume that spending most of the day inside means you don’t need to worry about exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. That assumption can be harmful and misleading.
Sun Exposure Can Still Happen Indoors
UV rays penetrate through glass, and windows offer little to no protection against UVA rays specifically, the type most linked to long-term skin damage and skin cancer, including melanoma. This means if your desk sits near a window, you’re exposed to UV rays every workday, often without realizing it with no heat or sunburn to signal exposure.
Your Commute Counts
Car windows are no different. Even 10-15 minutes of daily sun exposure during a commute contributes to UV damage. If you drive to work, your face and arm are consistently exposed. If you walk or take public transit, the same applies. On cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach you through clouds and glass. Over time, this steady, low-level exposure adds up.
Know the UV Index
Checking the daily UV index on your weather app takes seconds and can help you plan around peak exposure hours. The Government of Canada found that UV exposure risk is at its highest from April to September. On days with a UV index of 3 or higher, it’s worth taking extra precautions, even if you’re only outside briefly.
What You Can Do
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a few straightforward habits that can reduce your UV exposure and lower risks of skin cancer:
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning, regardless of whether you plan to spend time outdoors. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UV rays.
- Minimize prolonged sun exposure at your desk. Reposition away from direct window light or use UV blocking window film if possible.
- Check your skin monthly. Perform regular self-checks so you can spot new or unusual moles or growths and show them to your primary care provider early, before they have a chance to develop into skin cancer.
Things to Keep in Mind
UV protection applies to everyone, not just those working or exercising outside. You can build a few simple protective habits into your routine to improve your long-term skin health. Most skin cancers can be successfully treated when found early. Take a few moments to check your skin regularly and speak with your primary care provider if you notice any changes.
SOURCES
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/be-sun-safe/enjoy-the-sun-safely
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-student-contributors/cloudy-chance-sunburn
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-health/uv-index-sun-safety.html
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/
