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UV Index
The UV Index
provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The
Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 0 to 10+, where 0 indicates a
minimal risk of overexposure and 10+ means a very high risk
| UV
Index Values |
Exposure
Categories
|
| 0
- 2 |
Minimal
- Wearing a hat is sufficient protection. |
| 3
- 4 |
Low -
Wearing a hat and a sunscreen with SPF 15 is recommended. |
| 5
- 6 |
Moderate
- Wearing a hat, a sunscreen with SPF 15 and staying in the shade is
recommended. |
| 7
- 9 |
High
- In addition to the precautions recommended above, it is advised to
stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. |
| 10
+ |
Very
High - In addition to the precautions recommended above, it is
advised to stay indoors if possible. |
| UV
Index |
Category |
Sunburn
Time |
| over 9 |
extreme |
less than
15 minutes |
| 7-9 |
high |
about 20
minutes |
| 4-7 |
medium |
about 30
minutes |
| 0-4 |
low |
more than
1 hour |
|
When the UV index is over 9, UV-B is
extremely strong, and you will burn in less than 15 minutes.
|
5
steps to be SunSmart
- Seek shade.
- Wear protective clothing that
covers your arms and legs as well as your body.
- Put on a broad-brimmed hat
that shades your face and neck.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
- Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+
water resistant sunscreen every 2 hours. Sunscreen should not be used to
extend the time you spend in the sun
Credit:
Commonwealth of Australia 2006, Bureau of Meteorology
Sun
Safety Action Steps
 |
Do Not
Burn
Five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing skin
cancer. |
|
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Avoid
Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and
wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun,
consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to
use sunscreen with it. |
 |
Generously
Apply Sunscreen
Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides
broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and
ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on
cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. |
 |
Wear
Protective Clothing
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants,
a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible. |
 |
Seek
Shade
Seek shade when appropriate remembering that the sun’s UV
rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remember the
shadow rule when in the sun: Watch Your Shadow. No Shadow,
Seek Shade! |
 |
Use
Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun,
which can increase your chance of sunburn. |
 |
Watch
for the UV Index
The UV Index provides important information to help you plan
your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to
the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and
EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across
the United States. |
 |
Get
Vitamin D Safely
Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin
supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don’t seek
the sun. |
http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/index.html
Early
detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine ALL
of your skin once a month. A new or changing mole in an adult should
be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Credit:
EPA Sunwise Program
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Energy
from the sun reaches the earth as visible, infrared, and ultraviolet rays
- ultraviolet C (UVC)
wavelengths are 100 to 280 nm
Only UVA and UVB ultraviolet
rays reach the earth's surface. The earth's atmosphere absorbs UVC wavelengths.
- UVB rays cause a much
greater risk of skin cancer than UVA.
- However, UVA rays cause
aging, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity.
- UVA also increases the
damaging effects of UVB, including skin cancer and cataracts.
The
UV Index bulletin and map
NOAA/
National Weather Service National Centers for Environmental Prediction
Climate Prediction Center
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv_index/uv_current.shtml
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