Survey Highlights Increased Risk of Sunburn and Skin Cancer Among Outdoor Workers

A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) highlighted the heightened risk of sunburn and skin cancer faced by outdoor workers in the United States.

The survey, according to a press release, included responses from more than 1,000 U.S. adults and emphasized the construction, landscaping, emergency medical services, and postal delivery professions. According to the survey findings, outdoor workers exhibit a significantly higher propensity for sunburn and tanning compared to the general population. In 2023, half of outdoor workers reported experiencing sunburn, with 10% suffering from severe cases resulting in blisters, contrasting with the 36% sunburn incidence among the broader American population. Additionally, almost 80% of outdoor workers developed a tan or darker skin due to sun exposure, passing the 67% figure observed across all demographics.

Dr. Bruce Brod, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania, advocates for integrating sun protection practices into the daily routines of outdoor laborers to mitigate the risk of skin cancer.

"Since most outdoor workers are exposed to the sun during peak hours of the day, it's vital they adopt sun protection measures as part of their daily routine to safeguard against skin cancer," said Dr. Brod in a news release. "If you have a lot of moles or growths on your skin that you're not sure about, a family history of skin cancer, you've spent a lot of time in the sun, or you've had even one severe sunburn, you owe it to yourself to get your skin checked by a board-certified dermatologist."

Source: American Academy of Dermatology press release. May 7, 2024.