Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Revealed: The Travel Hotspots That Could Be Damaging [3] Public health organizations recommend that people protect themselves (for example, by applying sunscreen to the skin and wearing a hat and sunglasses) if they spend substantial time outdoors when the UV index is 3 or higher; see the table below for more detailed recommendations. Between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and over 130,000 malignant melanomas occur globally each year. WebThis indicator provides state and county level data on monthly and annual average doses of UV irradiance measured daily and at noon. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. By making global pledges to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances, the world's leading countries can decrease our impact on the ozone layer, and in turn, reduce skin cancer cases. WebUV index. Sunscreens are not intended to increase sun exposure time but to increase protection during unavoidable exposure. system. What Might Have Been
If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Indices of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area. The index is a scale of 0 to 16+, with 0 representing minimal UV exposure risk and values higher than 11 posing an extreme risk. It has been designed to indicate the potential for adverse health effects and to encourage people to protect themselves. Some ZIP Codes may not be in our database. About the UV index Blazing world record: Strongest UV rays ever measured Toggle navigation. This means that there is a high risk of skin damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight. NREL UV index So as we can see, the top 20 countries are quite dispersed across the globe. UV-Index Climatology for Europe Based on Shirt, sunscreen and hat are a must! In 2022, a new mobile phone application that provides localized information on ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).[25]. Exposure to the sun is known to be associated with different types of skin cancer, accelerated skin ageing, cataract and other eye diseases. UV Index Worldmap A sunburn can happen within minutes or over the course of several hours. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Depletion of the ozone layer, which provides a protective filter against UV radiation, may further aggravate the problem. As part of an international effort, the UV index was developed by WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Understand how solar radiation levels are changing across geography and time. These use the UV index and Fitzpatrick scale skin type to calculate the maximum exposure time before receiving a sunburn. The suns rays become stronger as you move south, and in the tropics, the index can rise to 14 or higher. Without the higher amounts of melanin in the skin, people with fair skin are at an elevated risk for experiencing UV radiation damage to their skin cells. If sun protection is required, this should include all protective means, i.e. The UVI is a measure of the level of UV radiation. As the rays interact with the cells in our skin, they cause disruptions and damage to the cells DNA. Sunscreens protect me so I can sunbathe much longer. Capable of causing a severe sunburn in under 10 minutes, it is advised that you take all precautions possible to limit your exposure to the sun at this UV rating. At these levels there is an increased risk of skin damage, and protective measures are recommended. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Countries close to the equator can experience very high UV levels in the middle of the day throughout the year. Seek shade during midday hours! May. Capable of causing a sunburn on unprotected skin in under 45 minutes, places like Norway and Denmark with an average UV index of 5 or 6 can still be dangerous, especially for those with fair skin tones. This indicator provides state and county level data on monthly and annual average doses of UV irradiance measured daily and at noon. This indicator provides state-level data on laws regarding sunscreen use in schools and indoor tanning restrictions for individuals younger than 18 years. Avoid being outside during midday hours! U.S. January Solar DNI Average. The UV Index scale ranges from a low of zero to a high of 11+ in Canada, The highest values occur in southern Ontario, where values of 11, or even 12 on rare occasions, have occurred. Protect the eyes with wrap-around-design sunglasses or sunglasses with side panels. UV Index and why could it break WebThe Cancers Attributable to UV Radiations. UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface is largely composed of UVA with a small UVB component. The UV Index is accompanied by recommendations for sun protection and is a useful tool for planning Some sunshine prediction and advice apps have been released. Environment Canada launched it as part of the weather forecast on May 27, 1992, making Canada the first country in the world to issue official predictions of UV levels for the next day. With increased global cooperation and improved education about the dangers of chronic sun exposure, organizations like the World Health Organization are hopeful that we can make big strides in personal and global sun protection habits. A UV index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from the Sun's UV rays for the average person. WebThe Global Solar UV Index (UVI) The UVI is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. WebThe UV index forecast for Ireland is sourced by Deutscher Wetterdienst and is included in our regional forecasts from May to September but be aware it can only be an average for any one day over the entire country. Copyright 1995-2020 Photius Coutsoukis (All Rights Reserved). These data come from Emory Universitys Environmental Remote Sensing Group at the Rollins School of Public Health. NREL WebWhen the UV index is presented on a daily basis, it represents UV intensity around the sun's highest point in the day, called solar noon, halfway between sunrise and sunset.This typically occurs between 11:30 and 12:30, or between 12:30 and 13:30 in areas where daylight saving time is being observed. WebThe Global Solar UV Index (UVI) The UVI is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. Up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover. [15][16] Many other countries followed suit with their own UV indices. Sunlight/UV Vulnerability and Preparedness. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. The UV-Index. UV index worldwide Out of the 50 holiday hotspots, Sri Lanka has the most dangerous radiation level, with an average score of 11.75[4]. Global Solar UV Index Through migrational habits and evolutionary changes, those who ended up in more northern locations were more likely to develop fairer skin tones. Haze in the atmosphere can even increase UV radiation exposure. The UV index is used to forecast the strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays. For a wide range of timescales, sunburn in response to controlled UV radiation occurs in proportion to the total number of photons delivered, not varying with the intensity or duration of exposure. Effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin, eye and the immune system, Radiation: The known health effects ofultravioletradiation, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer, Global solar UV index : a practical guide. The clear/sunny sky peak UVI index is reduced by cloud cover. Sunscreen should be applied to parts of the body that remain exposed, like the face and hands. Out of the 50 holiday hotspots, Sri Lanka has the most dangerous radiation level, with an average score of 11.75[4]. Revealed: The Travel Hotspots That Could Be Damaging Table 1 shows the average monthly UV Index across Australia. Using this item and referring to it is encouraged, and please use Please click here to see any active alerts. It has been designed to indicate the potential for adverse health effects and to encourage people to protect themselves. Because of this, it is recommended that everyone take adequate steps to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure (10). April. Moderate mean UVI values occur between 30 and 48 N and high UVI south of 35 N. Additionally, very high mean UVI up to 7.8 are detected south of 32 N. Figure 3. Based on a wide variety of factors such as geographical location, cultural practices, and the ethnicities of the inhabitants, some countries experience significantly higher rates of skin cancers than others. WebThe Global Solar UV Index (UVI) The UVI is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. The UV power spectrum (expressed as watts per square meter per nanometer of wavelength) is therefore multiplied by a weighting curve known as the CIE-standard McKinlayDiffey erythemal action spectrum. UV Radiation Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. - Please bookmark this page (add it to your favorites)- If you wish to link to this page, you can do so by referring to the URL address below. The coldest month in Auckland, New Zealand, is July , with an average high-temperature of 13.8C (56.8F) and an average low-temperature of 10.4C (50.7F) . Free application for mobile devices that describes the level of solar UV radiation at a specific location. Additionally, wearing broad-spectrum high SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreens while spending any time outdoors is one of the best ways to protect your skin. Many experts believe that the increased prevalence of skin cancer in modern fair-skinned Aussies and Kiwis is in part due to their European ancestors. These values are also representative of the values expected between 11 am and 1 pm local time (12 pm and 2 pm daylight saving time) under clear skies. The specified UV Index values serve as a benchmark for a typical atmospheric condition at each respective location. UV levels A higher index value indicates a greater potential for harmful effects to the skin and eyes. Official websites use .gov UV This indicator provides state-level data on laws regarding sunscreen use in schools and indoor tanning restrictions for individuals younger than 18 years. Moderate mean UVI values occur between 30 and 48 N and high UVI south of 35 N. Additionally, very high mean UVI up to 7.8 are detected south of 32 N. Figure 3. In Asian countries like Japan and China, pale and fair skin is the standard of beauty that many women and men strive to achieve. March. Latitude: the closer to equatorial regions, the higher the UV radiation levels. WebCountries; All countries (UV) radiation. Monthly mean UVI at the local noon over Europe for January until June over the time period 19832015 based on satellite data. A number of studies indicate that environmental levels of UV radiation can suppress immune responses in both rodents and humans. UV Index The values of the index range from zero upward - the higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. WebThe Global Solar UV Index (UVI) is a simple measurement of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. To inform people about the risk one can expect from UV rays, the National Weather Service and the U.S. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. The maps below show monthly average UV Index values for the United States. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. However, higher UV Index values may occur due to the variability of the influence parameters (e.g. A special, https://www.epa.gov/developers/data-data-products-envirofacts-uv-index-widget, Download the free UV Index smartphone app. Official websites use .gov July. Submit your comment here. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS local temporary variations in the ozone layer). To installthe widget on your page:https://www.epa.gov/developers/data-data-products-envirofacts-uv-index-widget. While the smaller wavelength UVC rays often only impact the top layer of our skin, UVA rays can deeply penetrate every layer of the skin, capable of causing cellular disruption in the deepest dermis layer (5). About the UV index It has been designed to indicate the potential for adverse health effects and to encourage people to protect themselves. Sunlight & UV A marked increase in the incidence of skin cancer in fair-skinned populations worldwide is strongly associated with excessive UV radiation exposure from the sun and possibly artificial sources such as sunbeds. The Global Solar UV Index (UVI) described in this document is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earths surface and an indicator of the potential for skin damage. Africa; It is important to note that while those with darker skin tones have a lower risk of developing skin cancers, the risk is never zero. Thus UV radiation levels vary with time of day and time of year.Latitude: the closer to equatorial regions, the higher the UV radiation levels.Cloud cover: UV radiation levels are highest under cloudless skies but even with cloud cover, they can be high. Acute effects of UV radiation on the eye include photokeratitis, an inflammation of the cornea and iris, and photoconjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. The specified UV Index values serve as a benchmark for a typical atmospheric condition at each respective location. What is the coldest month in Auckland? Provisions for buildings and workplaces. UV radiation Since its initial publication in 1995, many countries have been using the UVI to promote sun protection along with the weather forecast in newspapers, TV and radio. WebThe month with the lowest UV index in Auckland, New Zealand, is June, with an average maximum UV index of 3. Step 2: Check out the recommended sun protection. Ground reflection: grass, soil and water reflect less than 10% of UV radiation; fresh snow reflects as much as 80%; dry beach sand about 15% and sea foam about 25%. Able to permeate our skin at different levels, protection against all three types of UV rays is essential for adequate sun protection. The INTERSUN programme promotes the harmonized use of the UVI, and advises governments to employ this educational tool in their health promotion programmes. Some exposure to the Suns rays is beneficial as it helps our bodies produce vitamin D. But too much exposure to UV rays can have harmful effects. UV Index Blazing world record: Strongest UV rays ever measured Typical UV Index values for a range of cities worldwide are specified for the 21st of each month based on calculations with the radiation transfer model STAR. WebThe month with the lowest UV index in Auckland, New Zealand, is June, with an average maximum UV index of 3. The UV Index is a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun. However, even though the incidence of skin cancer is lower in dark skinned people they are nevertheless susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation, especially to the effects on the eye and immune system. WebThe first month of the spring, March, is also a hot month in Panama City, Panama, with an average temperature ranging between max 34.8C (94.6F) and min 18.4C (65.1F). In countries close to the equator, the UVI can be as much as 20. These values are also representative of the values expected between 11 am and 1 pm local time (12 pm and 2 pm daylight saving time) under clear skies. NREL A higher index value indicates a greater potential for harmful effects to the skin and eyes. However, additional research is necessary to substantiate this. clothing, hat and sunglasses, shade and sunscreen. Other chronic skin changes due to UV radiation include injuries to skin cells, blood vessels and fibrous tissue, better known as skin ageing. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. What radionuclides can be found in food? The UV index is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earths surface. Those with darker skin (Type IV+) are more likely to withstand greater sun exposure, while extra precautions are needed for children, seniors, particularly fair-skinned adults, and those who have greater sun sensitivity for medical reasons[26] or from UV exposure in previous days. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The UV Index is accompanied by recommendations for sun protection and is a useful tool for planning sun-safe outdoor activities. UV index Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Typical UV Index values for a range of cities worldwide are specified for the 21st of each month based on calculations with the radiation transfer model STAR. Heraklion, Greece has an average UV index of 12. [28] The Fitzpatrick scale is not sufficient to precisely estimate the minimum radiation dose needed for sunburn - it varies in populations. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. The UV index is used to forecast the strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Figure 4. For further information on INTERSUN refer to our web site: www.who.int/peh-uv. [14], After sporadic attempts by various meteorologists to define a "sunburn index" and growing concern about ozone depletion, Environment Canada scientists James B. Kerr, C. Thomas McElroy, and David I. Wardle invented the modern UV index in Toronto, Ontario. The author, Claire Bonneau, is a medical writer and certified trauma operating room nurse. Moderate mean UVI values occur between 30 and 48 N and high UVI south of 35 N. Additionally, very high mean UVI up to 7.8 are detected south of 32 N. Figure 3. The levels of UV radiation and therefore the values of the index vary throughout the day. A higher index value indicates a greater potential for harmful effects to the skin and eyes. Beyond its scientific objectives, INTERSUN provides guidance to national authorities and other agencies about effective sun awareness programmes. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. UV index worldwide A UV index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. An index of 0 corresponds to zero UV radiation, as is essentially the case at night. However, higher UV Index values sun-safe activities is a great way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. The UVI is a measure of the level of UV radiation. UV index The amount of UV radiation that you are exposed to throughout the day can be affected by your geographic location and the weather forecast each day. Blazing world record: Strongest UV rays ever measured UV radiation is generally lower during the winter months, but snow reflection can double your overall exposure, especially at high altitude.