2023-05-07 21:37:00
The higher the UV (ultraviolet) index, the stronger the sun and the more precautions you need to take.
L’World Health Organization (WHO) recommends protecting yourself when the index is 3 or more.
The risks of excessive UV exposure
In 2020, excessive exposure to UV radiation caused an estimated 1.2 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, i.e. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) , and 325,000 cutaneous melanomas, as well as 64,000 premature deaths from cancers other than melanoma and 57,000 deaths from cutaneous melanoma, reports the WHO.
UV radiation can also cause chronic eye diseases such as cataracts, pterygium and cancers in and around the eye.
The intensity of exposure to UV rays
The UV index ranges from 0 to 11.
Light exposure: UV index of 2 and less, moderate: 2 to 5, strong: 6 to 7, very strong: 8 to 10, extreme: 11 and more. Source : OMS
« The maximum summer values in mainland France do not generally exceed the UV Index 9, but can reach higher levels at altitude and on the beaches.
“, noted Meteo France. « In the tropics, values can be higher and frequently exceed 14.
»
Factors increasing UV radiation
UV radiation depends on:
- the sun height : therefore, the UV radiation varies
with time of day and month of year; - the latitude : the closer you get to the equatorial regions, the greater the UV radiation;
- the cloudiness : UV radiation is maximum in the absence of cloud cover, but can be significant despite clouds: scattering can have the same effect as reflection on different surfaces and, therefore, increase total UV radiation;
- l’altitude : for an increase of 1000 meters in altitude, UV radiation increases by 10% to 12%;
- THE reflective surfaces : snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays that cause sunburn (UVB), white sand reflects up to 15% of radiation, sea foam present on the surface of the oceans about 25%.
UV index and protection:
The WHO summarizes its recommendations in the form of “commandments”:
Index from 0 to 2: no protection necessary, from 3 to 7: protection necessary, from 8 and more: reinforced protection. Source : OMS.
Protective measures
« Skin cancers are very easily preventable. The WHO recommends the following measures to protect against excessive exposure to UV radiation
» :
-
limit the time spent in the sun in the middle of the day;
-
seek shade;
-
wear protective clothing;
-
wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the eyes, face, ears and neck;
-
wear wrap-around sunglasses that provide 99% to 100% UV-A and UV-B protection;
-
applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to areas of skin that cannot be covered by clothing; “
the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to seek shade and wear clothing rather than applying sunscreen. Sunscreens should not be used to spend more time in the sun
» ; -
avoid using artificial tanning devices; the use of tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer.
The UV index is indicated daily for the different regions in the weather reports.
For more information, see the links below.
Psychomedia with sources: OMS, WHO and World Meteorological Organization, Meteo France.
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