Sun safety in the shade

Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Our climate, high year-round Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) levels, outdoor lifestyle, and often limited sun protection habits all add up to an increased risk of skin cancer. The Ultraviolet (UV) Index shows that Queensland has a higher level of UVR in the atmosphere which can cause sunburn and skin damage if we are over-exposed to the sun.

Protect yourself from skin cancer by:

  • Wearing sun protective clothing
  • Wearing a broad brimmed or bucket hat
  • Seeking shade
  • Wearing wrap around sunglasses
  • Applying SPF30+ sunscreen every two hours

Shade is one of the easiest forms of protection from UVR. When used correctly with other sun protection measures, most forms of shade can reduce UVR exposure by up to 75%.

This section has been designed to help schools, childcare facilities, local governments and the general public plan effective shade cover. You will find checklists and tools to assist with all levels of shade planning, and information specific to different areas of Queensland.

Learn more about addressing your shade needs:

References

All the information in this shade section (including subpages) has been reproduced or adapted from the following sources:

  • Queensland Health (2002) Creating Shade at Public Facilities 2nd Edition - Policy and Guidelines for Local Government.
  • Queensland Health (1997) Shade for Public Pools - Planning Sun-safe Outdoor Environments in Queensland.
    (Available from Preventive Health Unit, Queensland Health)
  • Queensland Health (1997) Shade for Sports Fields - Planning Sun-safe Outdoor Environments in Queensland.
    (Available from Preventive Health Unit, Queensland Health)
  • Queensland Health (1997) Shade for Young Children - Planning Sun-safe Outdoor Environments in Queensland.
    (Available from Preventive Health Unit, Queensland Health)

In addition, expert advice was provided by:

  • Associate Professor Rosemary Kennedy, Director for Subtropical Design at Queensland University of Technology
  • Professor Brit Andresen, the University of Queensland
  • Dr Thomas Tenkate, School of Public Heath at Queensland University of Technology