Eric Greenwell wrote:
Guy Byars wrote:
I must strongly disagree with Eric's post!!!

He talks about wrinkling and skin damage (sunburn?). Well, if you are only
concerned about sunburn and wrinkling, then go ahead and depend on the
canopy for your protection.

However, nowhere in Eric's post does he mention SKIN CANCER!

The UVA range of the sun's spectrum has a longer wavelength and penetrates
right through your canopy and deeply into your skin. There is a large body
of research which ties UVA exposure to skin cancer.

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/964647970.html

The canopy does provide some protection, but it is not sufficient. The best
protection is to cover yourself with light colored clothing and a good
protective hat while flying. Certainly a broad spectrum sunscreen should be
used as well.

I certainly agree with these cautions, and they are needed even more
outside the cockpit, where glider pilots also spend a lot of time.

I read the article, but now I'm confused that the UV Index doesn't seem
to account for UVA, and the article didn't mention it. Can you describe
the reason or point to a resource that does? Perhaps the UV index hasn't
kept up with the science?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

"Transponders in Sailplanes" on the Soaring Safety Foundation website
www.soaringsafety.org/prevention/articles.html

"A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org

Hi there,

Eric makes an excellent point...there are some questions that we need
to ask....and he is not the first one to raise up the point. Great job
Eric....

Jacek
Washington State