Shade as an Environmental Design Tool for Skin Cancer Prevention

Dawn M. Holman MPH, George Thomas Kapelos MCP, MArch, Meredith Shoemaker MPH, and Meg Watson MPHAuthor affiliations, information, and correspondence details

Accepted: August 03, 2018

Published Online: November 07, 2018

Little work has been done to explore the use of shade for skin cancer prevention in the context of the built environment. In an effort to address this gap and draw attention to the intersection between architectural and public health practice, we reviewed research on shade design, use, and policies published from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2017.

Our findings indicate that various features influence the sun-protective effects of shade, including the materials, size, shape, and position of the shade structure; the characteristics of the surrounding area; and weather conditions. Limited research suggests that shade provision in outdoor spaces may increase shade use. Shade audit and design tools are available to inform shade planning efforts. Shade policies to date have mostly been setting specific, and information on the implementation and effects of such policies is limited.

Integrating shade planning into community design, planning, and architecture may have a substantial impact and will require a multidisciplinary approach.