Many Swedes enjoy spending time in the sun and getting a suntan. However, strong sunlight has its disadvantages. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Sweden, and the incidence of skin cancer is quickly increasing. Root causes are deemed to be increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and use of tanning salons and sunbeds.
One of the tasks of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority is to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation. Our work includes performing risk assessments and issuing advice, regulations and rules. We also implement initiatives in order to increase people's awareness of hazards posed by the sun and artificial tanning devices.
Advice and Recommendations
For most people, it is advisable to protect themselves from the sun when the UV Index is 3 or higher. In Sweden during summer, this is typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Shade offers good protection from the sun and can reduce UV radiation by up to half. However, even in the shade, you may be exposed to UV radiation scattered from the blue sky.
The most effective way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear clothing. Clothing provides reliable protection because textiles absorb both UVA and UVB radiation.
Protect your head, face, and neck with a sun hat that has a wide brim. A wide-brimmed hat also provides good protection for the nose and cheeks.
Our eyes are also sensitive to sunlight. It is therefore advisable to wear sunglasses, preferably with side protection when the sun is particularly strong.
Use sunscreen with a medium sun protection factor (SPF 15–25) or a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30) on areas not covered by clothing. Sunscreen should be regarded as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, protective clothing.
Do not use sunbeds
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority does not recommend using sunbeds. People who use sunbeds have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. It is prohibited to allow persons under the age of 18 to use cosmetic sunbeds. This is provided for in Chapter 7, Sections 6 and 7 of the Radiation Protection Act (2018:396).