Impact Of The Sun While Scuba Diving
Scuba Divers Should Be Aware Of Skin Cancer Risks On Dive Trips
Jun 9, 2009
In scuba diving the main physiological discussion usually centres on the cardiovascular system and the effects of breathing compressed air at depth. But what about the largest organ in the body: the skin?
Even though sportdiving is carried out underwater, scuba divers can spend many hours in the sun. And the worst damage to the skin comes from the sun.
Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and scuba divers are prime candidates.
The Australian Cancer Council reports that every year in Australia:
- skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers
- two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70
- more than 10,000 people are treated for melanoma, of which more than 1,200 die
- melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15–44 years
- melanoma is the third most common cancer in both women and men
Details on causes and types of skin cancer are contained in Suite 101 article: Impact Of The Sun While Sailboarding.
Preventing Sun Cancer For Scuba Divers
A bad case of sunburn is painful, dangerous, and is easy to prevent. It is also awkward for scuba divers having to climb into a wetsuit the next day. Cracked and bleeding lips can’t hold a scuba regulator!
Waterproof chemical sunscreens with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) should be used with other protection such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the middle of the day.
It is possible to get sunburnt from the reflected light off the water, even in the shade of the boat deck. Skin can be burnt on cloudy days as clouds don’t stop all the sun’s radiation.
On overseas scuba dive trips, extra sunscreen should be packed as it may be difficult to buy in some of the world’s more obscure scuba locations.
Preventing Sun Cancer When Snorkelling
When snorkelling, all over covering should be worn. A thin t-shirt is almost useless when wet, as it will transmit the sun’s radiation. A full body Lycra suit is perfect for providing protection from the sun and the marine environment, and will provide a little warmth.
Hats For Scuba Diving
When out on a dive boat, wear a hat.
Sometimes it just isn’t practical to wear a broad brimmed sombrero. A small peaked hat is good, but be sure the ears are covered. A flap down the back to protect the neck is useful. A cloth hat that doesn’t matter if it gets wet or blows overboard is the best. Keep a spare hat in the gear bag as many hats have blown off into the water resulting in a bad case of sunburn for their former owners.
Damage To A Scuba Diver’s Eyes From The Sun
If these problems with the sun and skin are bad enough, then another cause for concern is the effect of the sun on the eyes. There is increasing evidence to suggest that UV light can cause damage such as cataracts to a scuba diver’s eyes. Sunglasses will cut out most of the UV light, but the good pairs that cut out 100 per cent are best.
There are attachments available that fit onto sunglasses forming a small peak over the nose; and covers on the side.
The best prevention of all is to stay out of the sun. That’s a physical impossibility for scuba divers unless only doing night dives!
So the next best is to take extra precautions between scuba dives and when in the sun.
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