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What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?
TL;DR
UV levels in the UK are unusually high for this time of year, posing health risks. While some UV exposure is necessary for vitamin D production, excessive exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Key points
- UV levels are unusually high across the UK.
- Some UV exposure is essential for wellbeing.
- Excessive UV exposure can cause skin cancer.
- UV radiation helps produce vitamin D.
- Vitamin D is important for bones, blood cells, and immunity.
UV levels are unusually high across much of the UK for this time of year.
Some exposure to UV is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.
UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth's atmosphere.
It enables our skin to produce essential vitamin D, which is important for the function of bones, blood cells and our immune system.
But too much UV can be harmful.
It can lead to skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells. UV also plays a substantial role in skin ageing, contributing to wrinkles and loosened folds.
It has also been linked to eye problems, including cataracts.
"Every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer," says Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George's, University of London.
"Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK."
Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.
The highest readings are in the four-hour period around "solar noon", when the sun is at its highest - usually from late morning to early afternoon.
The UV Index (or UVI) is a measure of ultraviolet radiation used around the world.
Values start at zero and can rise above 10.
The higher the number, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for harm to occur.
In the UK, the UV index would typically be around 5-6 during the summer, with a maximum of 8 only in exceptional circumstances.
Countries close to the equator can experience very high UV levels in the middle of the day, throughout the year.
Nairobi in Kenya, for example, can have UV levels above 10 all year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Majorca in Spain normally hits nine in June and July.
Appropriate sunscreen is essential.
Some sun protection is required when UK levels are medium (3-5) or high (6-7), the WHO says.
Extra sun protection is required when UV levels are very high (8-10) or extremely high (11+).
Children are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults, and therefore require additional protection at lower levels than adults.
The NHS advises using sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or above and which offers at least 4-star UVA protection.
It should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears - and head if you have thinning or no hair - ideally 30 minutes before you go out into the sun.
Q&A
What are the current UV levels in the UK?
UV levels across much of the UK are unusually high for this time of year.
How does UV radiation affect skin health?
While UV radiation is essential for vitamin D production, excessive exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
What can I do to protect myself from high UV levels?
To protect yourself, limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high SPF.
Why is vitamin D important for health?
Vitamin D is crucial for the function of bones, blood cells, and the immune system.
