To illustrate the spectrum weighting principle, the incident power density in midday summer sunlight is typically 0.6mW/(nm m2) at 295nm, 74mW/(nm m2) at 305nm, and 478mW/(nm m2) at 325nm. Avoid being outside during midday hours! UV radiation during the winter is not dangerous. 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. With these numbers trending upwards over the past 25 years, skin cancer is starting to take a serious toll on the health of our global population (2). 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. [15][16] Many other countries followed suit with their own UV indices. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Even for very sensitive fair-skinned people, the risk of short-term and long-term UV damage below a UVI of 2 is limited, and under normal circumstances no protective measures are needed. WebThe Cancers Attributable to UV Radiations. The strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expressed as a Solar UV Index or Sun Index.The UV Index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks around the summer solstice). In Australia, a study in 2011 found the average UV index had increased by 26% between the 1970s and the period 19902009, due to depletion of the ozone layer. Measurement of strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, "Awareness, Understanding, Use, and Impact of the UV Index: A Systematic Review of Over Two Decades of International Research", "The UV index: Definition, distribution and factors affecting it", "Fast simulation tool for ultraviolet radiation at the earth's surface", "UV Spectral Irradiances & Erythemal Action Spectrum", "The Canadian Ozone Watch and UV-B advisory programs", "Environment Canada's UV Index Celebrates Ten Years: Now Bringing Sun Safety Messages to 26 Countries", "Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide", "Blazing World Record: Strongest UV Rays Measured in South America", "Record solar UV irradiance in the tropical Andes", "Comment on "Record solar UV irradiance in the tropical Andes, by Cabrol et al. UV Index and why could it break Out of the 50 holiday hotspots, Sri Lanka has the most dangerous radiation level, with an average score of 11.75[4]. UV April. UV index . A higher index value indicates a greater potential for harmful effects to the skin and eyes. Identify areas where intensity may be increasing. UV levels Average UV Index Figure 4. Because of the cultural value of fair skin, no Asian countries place in the skin cancer top twenty list, despite their geographical location and average higher UV indexes. It is primarily used in daily and hourly forecasts aimed at the general public. It has been designed to indicate the potential for adverse health effects and to encourage people to protect themselves. Index UV index What are static and low-frequency electric and magnetic fields? Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. UV Index As the largest organ in the human body, our skin has a lot of surface area for the potential development of health conditions. UV index It serves as an important vehicle to raise public awareness and to alert people about the need to adopt protective measures when exposed to UV radiation. Copyright 1995-2020 Photius Coutsoukis (All Rights Reserved). In reporting the UVI, the maximum daily UV level, which occurs during the four-hour period around solar noon, is provided on a given day. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. The National Weather Service calculates the UV Index forecast for most ZIP codes across the U.S., and EPA publishes this information. Historic policies such as the Montreal Protocol and the Copenhagen Amendment have already had a positive impact on the number of new skin cancer diagnoses, estimated to have prevented thousands of future cases (14). Learn more about the UV Index. Vital Graphics Series. The UVI was developed through an international effort by WHO in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection. Sunscreens protect me so I can sunbathe much longer. WebThe Global Solar UV Index (UVI) The UVI is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. This means that there is a high risk of skin damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV index Submit your comment here. The ultraviolet index, or UV index, is an international standard measurement of the strength of the sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a particular place and time. Ultraviolet Index The values of the Index range from zero upward and the higher the Index value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation Data by country You are here: By category; Public health and environment; Ultraviolet (UV) radiation; Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation; Regions. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS An index of 0 corresponds to zero UV radiation, as is essentially the case at night. The higher the UV index, the more intense the radiation and the greater the risk of skin damage. WebThe month with the lowest UV index in Auckland, New Zealand, is June, with an average maximum UV index of 3. Click the buttons for Day 2, Day 3, or Day 4 to see the UV Index forecast for following days. UV Just fill out the form below. Wearing sun protective eyewear, sunscreen, a hat, and adequate clothing to cover your skin is advised at this UV index rating to prevent the risk of sunburns. Unless protective clothing and sunglasses are worn, skin and eyes can be damaged in minutes, 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. 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. Revealed: The Travel Hotspots That Could Be Damaging If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page.