On May 24 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, recognized the 16th annual Don't Fry Day to encourage Americans to take steps to protect their skin and eyes while outdoors.

Though May 24 has passed, these tips remain crucial throughout the summer.

"Remember to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays before you go outdoors," said Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. "Don't Fry Day is a great annual reminder of the importance of sun safety, and you can use the EPA's UV Index app to get the UV forecast for your location and tips on how to be sun safe."

Almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer. Many skin cancer cases are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, making sun protection vital. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, more than 100,600 new cases of invasive melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in the United States. This is approximately 3,000 more cases than were estimated in 2023.

While everyone is at risk for eye damage and cataracts, certain factors increase the risk of skin cancer, including skin color, a history of blistering sunburns in early childhood, the presence of many moles, or a family history of skin cancer. Sun safety is essential year-round as UV levels can be high depending on location, elevation, and reflective surfaces like sand and snow.

The EPA, the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide the UV Index forecast in the United States. The EPA's UV Index app offers daily and hourly UV intensity forecasts, sun safety recommendations and is available in Spanish.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer and eye damage, remember to:

• SLIP! – Slip on a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that covers your skin.
• SLOP! – Slop on a handful of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and re-apply every two hours, or sooner if in the water.
• SLAP! – Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to cover the back of your neck and the tips of your ears.
• WRAP! – Wrap on a pair of sunglasses. Those that wrap around the sides of your face provide more sun protection.

Additional tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid tanning beds and minimize sunbathing.
• Check the UV Index before spending time outdoors and dress appropriately.

Download Don't Fry Day and sun safety posters, sign up for a daily UV Index forecast via email or check the UV Index online daily on the EPA's sun safety webpage located at www.epa.gov/sunsafety.