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UV Index
If you have just had a flick through the beaches section and chosen your sun spot for today, then make sure you take a look at today's UV index before you leave the house.
The sun gives out a range of energy. This range, called the electromagnetic spectrum, is made up of different forms of energy including infra-red radiation, visible light and ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR is the part of the sun's spectrum that can cause skin damage including sunburn and in the longer term can lead to skin cancer. The speed with which sun damage occurs depends on two things: the strength of UVR and your natural skin colour.
Weather forecasters are now using a new system to advise people about the daily strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is called the Solar UV Index. It is a worldwide system originally developed by the World Health Organization. The Index aims to help identify the strength of UVR numerically on a scale of 1-20.
Typically a clear day on the equator would have an index of approximately 16. In the Jersey it is unlikely to be higher than 8. Levels of 9 or 10 are common in the Mediterranean.
Check today's UV Index.
The Solar UV Index recognises four types of skin colour. If you are unsure which category you fit into, always opt for the paler colour to be safe.
| UV Solar Index |
Your Skin Colour |
 |
White skin that burns easily and tends not to tan |
White skin that tans easily |
Brown skin |
Black skin |
| 1/2 |
Low |
Low |
Low |
Low |
| 3/4 |
Medium |
Low |
Low |
Low |
| 5 |
HIGH |
Medium |
Low |
Low |
| 6 |
VERY HIGH |
Medium |
Medium |
Low |
| 7 |
VERY HIGH |
HIGH |
Medium |
Medium |
| 8 |
VERY HIGH |
HIGH |
Medium |
Medium |
| 9 |
VERY HIGH |
HIGH |
Medium |
Medium |
| 10 |
VERY HIGH |
HIGH |
HIGH |
Medium |
What do these risks mean?
- Low risk - The sun will not harm you
- Medium risk - You should avoid being in direct sunlight for more than 1-2 hours
- High risk - You could burn in 30-60 minutes. Try to keep out of direct sunlight, - Very high risk - You could burn severely in 20-30 minutes. Stay out of direct sunlight, cover up and use a sunscreen of SPF of 15+
Protecting yourself against risk
Too much sun can cause sunburn but in the longer term it can lead to skin cancer. Unlike many cancers, skin cancer is a disease that can be avoided if you take it easy in the sun.
The Health Education Authority recommends that everyone follows the 5-point Sun Safety Code:
- Take care not to burn - don't be fooled by - cool breeze or light cloud.
- Cover up with loose, cool clothing and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Take special care to protect babies and children.
- Stay in the shade especially during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
- Use a sunscreen lotion of SPF 15 or above, use it generously and re-apply frequently.
Remember that people of all skin colours, especially babies and children, can suffer from overheating and dehydration, so if the sun is hot, drink plenty of water and moisturise dry skin. Simple precautions can make all the difference and will help you enjoy the summer more safely.
This article updated: 2004/07/08 13:28:15
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| ......Daily Ditons...... |
Au motcheux la moqu'sie.
He who mocks shall be mocked.
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