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Health and Safety Benefits |
UV & Heat Protection
Over the last decade, Americans have become increasingly aware of the dangers of
exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The increases in the frequency and severity
of skin cancer have become alarming. At Shade Structures, it is not our intention
to scare our customers with the facts and figures associated with skin cancer but,
rather, to inform. However, the statistics are rather alarming: One American develops
skin cancer every thirty seconds and over one million people in the United States
will develop skin cancer each year. Skin cancer kills one American every hour! (Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation).
Less severe, but still something to consider, are the dangers associated with Sunburn,
Sun Stroke, Heat Exhaustion and Fatigue. At Shade Structures it is our primary goal
to provide products with people first in mind - particularly with regard to their
health and safety. Our fabrics can block out up to 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays
while providing reduced temperatures underneath the structures as a result of the
cool air circulation that the fabrics allow. Please take a moment to review the
facts about sun exposure/skin cancer below and take every available precaution in
the future so you can enjoy the sunny days in safety!
- Young people get about 80% of their total lifetime sun exposure before age 18.
- Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting
melanoma later in life.
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer as it can spread to other parts of
the body.
- Children should be kept out of the sun between 10am and 3pm when the sun’s UV rays
are the strongest. As children are often at day care facilities during these hours,
it is critical that precautions are taken
- Reflections from ground surfaces such as cement, sand, white painted surfaces and
snow increase the sun’s harmful effects. In the water, UV rays can penetrate over
three feet deep.
- Sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout one’s lifetime. Infants
under six months should never have sunscreen applied – they should be covered up
and shielded from direct sunlight.
- It can take only 15 minutes of exposure to summer afternoon sun to burn a fair skinned
person.
- Typically, people with fair skin, light colored hair, blue or green eyes, and people
with freckles are at greater risk.
- Skin cancer can occur in people with darker complexions including Hispanics and
African Americans.
- Teenagers and young adults are being diagnosed with skin cancer more than ever before.
Protects and Preserves Park & Playground Equipment
The summer heat always brings with it stories about the interiors of unprotected
parked cars exceeding 140 degrees and how one can fry an egg on a skillet in the
sun. However, not many have ever heard of a playground spontaneously combusting
as a result of the scorching sun. Yet, this happened not long ago at an elementary
school playground in Arlington, Texas when pine mulch, placed at the base of the
play equipment for padding, spontaneously ignited and set the structures on fire.
Surveillance cameras on campus captured the entire process.
Less surprising, yet all too common, are the severe burns sustained by children
who play on unprotected playground equipment that can practically transform itself
into a branding iron under extreme conditions.
Playground designers and school officials are increasingly turning to fabric shade
structures as a practical and cost-effective solution to guard against the dangers
of sun exposure both on play equipment and on children’s sensitive skin. Michelle
Botha, a Sales Representative for California-based Shade Structures has heard plenty
of alarming stories from her clients about children being burned from hot play equipment.
"Unfortunately the children are just so excited to use the slides and other equipment
when they get to a playground that they forget to factor in what may be dangerous
to them; first and sometimes even second degree burns are not uncommon for children
in extreme conditions."
In addition to protecting people, fabric structures can preserve park and play equipment
from the deterioration caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and harsh weather.
Over time, wood cracks, splinters, and needs to be repainted or stained. Nuts and
bolts rust and plastics deteriorate and lose their bright attractive colors. Our
products can add years to the life of park and playground equipment while helping
them to retain their attractive look and overall appeal.
Protection
In recent years, hail storms in the United States have become much more widespread
and frequently more intense. The effects of hail damage to automobiles can be devastating.
A good sized hail stone traveling 100 to 120 mph can have the same effect on vehicle
windows and bodies as a sledge hammer swung at full force. Hail storms have devastated
entire fleets resulting in losses of millions of dollars and higher insurance premiums.
In addition to automotive damage, hail stones can inflict similar damage to school
& daycare facilities, park & playground equipment or any valuable property that
is vulnerable in an outdoor and unprotected environment. Utilize Shade Structures
to protect your valuable automotive fleets and outdoor property.
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