The UV Index provides a daily
forecast of the expected intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun. Some exposure to sunlight is enjoyable. However, too much sun can be
dangerous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause
immediate damage, such as sunburn, and long-term problems, such as skin
cancer and cataracts.
It is important to remember that
people of all skin types need to be protected from overexposure to the
sun. Overexposure to UV radiation poses the risk of serious health effects
for everyone, but not everyone is equally at risk. For example, you may be
at greater risk of contracting skin cancer if your skin always burns; if
you have blond or red hair; or blue, green, or gray eyes. Other factors
indicating an increased risk of skin cancer include: a history of
blistering sunburns in early childhood, the presence of many moles, or a
family history of skin cancer. However, it is a good idea to remember that
all people, no matter what skin type, are equally at risk of eye damage.
So remember to be SunWise!
Below are some additional
steps you can take to be SunWise
Minimal
People
with very sensitive skin and infants should always be protected from
prolonged sun exposure.
0 to 2
Low
Wear a hat
with a wide brim and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Use a
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear long-sleeved shirts
and long pants when outdoors.
3 to 4
Moderate
Use
sunscreen if you work outdoors and remember to protect sensitive
areas like the nose and the rims of the ears. Sunscreen prevents
sunburn and some of the sun's damaging effects on the immune system.
Use a lip
balm or lip cream containing a sunscreen. Lip balms can help protect
some people from getting cold sores.
5 to 6
High
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers made from tightly woven
fabrics. UV rays can pass through the holes and spaces of loosely
knit fabrics.
7 to 9
Very High
Avoid being in the sun as much as possible.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of all UV rays
(both UVA and UVB). Some reduction in blue light also might be
beneficial but colors should not be severely distorted.
Wear a cap or hat with a wide brim, which will block roughly 50
percent of UV radiation from reaching the eyes. Wearing sunglasses
as well can block the remainder of UV rays.
