Written by: Jasmine Biju
Sunlight is necessary for giving the body an important natural dose of vitamin D supply. Although, it is crucial to prevent overexposure to sunlight as there are serious negative implications. Excessive amounts of sunlight are deemed carcinogenic, or obtain the capacity of inducing skin cancer in humans. Truck driving has its own implications that many disregard: the increased risk for the development of serious skin conditions, such as cancer, due to prolonged exposure to dangerous solar radiation.
UV radiation comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC light. All of the incoming UVC light is absorbed by the ozone layer, thus the radiation of light that we come in contact with is UVB and predominantly UVA light. UVB light causes sunburn resulting in aging and wrinkles. On the other hand, UVA light is associated with tanning. Tanning is a direct indicator of sun damage, as it pertains to the development of melanin, or pigment, as a defense mechanism against sunlight. Overexposure to these forms of solar radiation increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer such as melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer.
Truck drivers are met with an inevitable challenge: consistent day-to-day exposure to harsh sun rays as it is a part of their work. The resulting effect is called the “truck driver face.” This condition is known as unilateral dermatoheliosis. It happens when the left side of the face, due to the truck driver’s position in the vehicle, has greater exposure to the sun leading to wrinkles, premature aging, and sun damage. The consistent exposure of the left side of the face to incoming rays through the window causes the top two layers of the epidermis to absorb the harmful light.
It is important to take measures in order to prevent the development of such symptoms. Though limiting exposure to radiation is a difficult endeavor given it is a part of the occupation as a truck driver, there are several measures to alleviate the implications of solar radiation. Sunscreen is imperative in combating the development of skin disorders induced by sun damage. SPF is the measure of the amount of solar radiation needed to produce a sunburn. It is recommended to consider using sunscreen with at least an SPF of 45 to gain 98% protection from sun rays. Although, given the habitual exposure to sunlight associated with truck driving, it is important to look into broad-spectrum sunscreen skin care products with a higher SPF such as 60. It is futile to apply sunscreen only once a day, and thus it is crucial to reapply throughout the day. Sunscreen is efficacious, but only up to a certain point: therefore, it is important to supplement the application of sunscreen with other measures such as more clothing and high-quality sunglasses.
The implications of sun damage on truck drivers are a testament to the harmfulness the sun proposes. Thus, it is important not only for truck drivers but for all individuals to protect their skin from harmful solar radiation. Because of the higher potentiality of developing skin cancer, it is important to set up skin cancer screenings with a healthcare provider to ensure that the skin is in a healthy condition.
Image Source: CBS News
References:
“Truck Driver Face - What It Is and How To Prevent It.” Suppose U Drive, https://supposeudrive.com/truck-driver-face-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/#:~:text=How%20%E2%80%9CTruck%20Driver%20Face%E2%80%9D%20Develops,thick%20wrinkles%2C%20and%20premature%20aging.
Peck, Molly. “What is UV radiation and why is it harmful?” City of hope,
“Truck Drivers and Skin Damage - Years of Sun Exposure.” PS Transportation, https://pstrans.com/flatbed-truck-drivers-and-skin-damage/
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