UV Index Forecasts

Introduction

The UV index is an international standard measurement which indicates that how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a certain place on a specific day. It is a scale first and foremost used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public.

Its purpose is to assist people to efficiently protect themselves from UV light, of which extreme exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts, skin aging, plus skin cancer. Public-health organizations advise that people protect themselves (for instance, by applying sunscreen to the skin as well as wearing a hat) when the UV index is 3 or higher (Madronich, pp. 17-69).

With skin cancer growth in most other cancers, the medical community sees the problem, encouraging behavior modification aimed at the protection, and avoidance of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. • 0 - 2 (minimum) - on an index reading of 0 - 2 shows the minimal risk from solar UV radiation for secondary (type II) a person. Most people can stay in the sun before the noon hour without burning. • 3 - 4 (Low) - The index reading of 3 -4 indicates a low risk of injury to the skin from solar radiation. Type II individuals may be burned in 30 - 60 minutes. • 5 -6 (moderate) - The index reading of 5 - 6 points to some significant risks because of the damage to the skin to the sun. Unprotected exposure can lead to burns and only 20 - 30 minutes. • 7 -9 (High) - The index reading of 7 - 9 inducates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun must be limited during the afternoon (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 PM), as the skin May impulse as little as 13 - 20 minutes. • 10 ...