The American Academy of Dermatology has released a ranking of “sun smart” cities and states in the US, i.e. with residents knowledgeable in sun exposure and protection and skin cancer.

Over 3,300 adults completed the AAD’s online survey, titled “Rays: Your Grade,” in February 2007. The questions covered topics such as sun exposure, sun protection, and general knowledge about sunburns, skin cancer and protection from related risks.

The AAD's rankings are based on the responses of residents in each location, as each participant received a grade based on their answers.

The most sun-protection-savvy residents turned out to be those in Washington, D.C. and New York City, followed by Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles and Dallas. Rounding up the top ten “sun smart” cities were Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Atlanta, Idaho and Philadelphia (3-way tie).

The least informed citizens in sun exposure and sun protection issues, as well as skin cancer, came from Seattle, Pittsburgh, Maine and Chicago. “Nation’s Capital and New York City Earn Top Honors; Chicago Gets Burned,” reads the academy’s Web site.

The AAD study showed that people hold a number of beliefs that are actually false, such as the opinion that living in a sunny climate is conducive to skin cancer, whereas a cloudy climate implies safety from this risk.

The study’s authors said in a statement that approximately 80 percent of the sun's ultra violet rays can pass through light clouds, mist and fog. Therefore, whether you live in sun-bathed LA or in windy Chicago, the risk is nevertheless present.

Another false belief is that a base tan is a healthy way to protect skin from sun damage, while a third was “It is smarter to tan indoors using a tanning bed where ultraviolet rays can be controlled.”

If you are curious about the survey and would like to take it yourself, go to http://staff.aad.org/raysyourgrade/.

The site also recommends the use of sunscreen, re-applied every two hours, even on cloudy days. The AAD advises those going out in the sunshine to wear protective garments such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves. When spending time outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible.

The AAD likewise informs that tanning beds can cause cancer and wrinkling. Checking your skin for noticeable changes in color or in the appearance/change of shape of marks could mean an early detection of skin cancer.