About the UV index

(part 3)

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20 key questions and answers about the UV radiation

Fact or fiction
Answer
Explanation

You cannot get sunburn on a cloudy day
Wrong
Although clouds attenuate UV the diffuse sky radiation is sufficiently intense to get a sunburn unless the clouds are low and thick

Too much sun is dangerous no matter your age
Right
The human skin and the immune system are sensitive to UV radiation through a whole life cycle

Sunscreens protect me so I can sunbathe much longer
Wrong
Sunscreens protect you but their efficiency decrease after application - you should not stay longer in the sun than the SPF warrants

You should avoid the sun between 11:00 and 16:00
Right
Due to the highest sun elevation the UV radiation is the strongest during a day at this time

If I don't feel the heat from staying in the sun l will not get sunburn
Wrong
UV radiation can not be sensed by the human because it is absorbed in the outermost skin layers

UV radiation not only concerns the skin but also the eyes
Right
Sunburn is perhaps the most known effect, but UV radiation may also cause development of cataract

Just re-aply your sunscreen to stay longer in the sun
Wrong
The sunscreens protects only for a certain length of time. After this any additional UV exposure is harmful

People with fair skin and red hair are particularly sensitive to UV radiation
Right
The people with this skin and hair type combination is the most sensitive group of the population

A tan protects you from an additional sunburn
Wrong
A tan is already a reaction on UV exposure and it only partially protects your skin

The negative effects of sunburns are cumulative
Right
The ability of the human body to protect and repair UV-induced damages decrease during a lifetime

The sun in winter and spring is not dangerous
Wrong
The UV intensity depends also on latitude, altitude and ground reflection like of snow

Children should be especially protected
Right
Because of the high sensitivity of their skin and the cumulative effects of sunburns

The darker your skin the more attractive you are
Wrong
This social attitude is changing - just a century ago you were more attractive when you were pale

Reflection of UV radiation by sand and water must be considered
Right
The direct rays from the sun and the diffuse sky radiation are equally important for UV exposures after reflection at the ground

It is necessary to stay in the sun because vitamin D is produced by UV radiation
Wrong
The time of exposition you need for vitamin D production is so short, that you always get enough without sunbathing

The shorter your shadow is the more dangerous the sun burns
Right
When your shadow is short the sun elevation is high and UV radiation is more intense

You cannot get a sunburn while you are in the water
Wrong
Water attenuates UV radiation but you may easily get a sunburn when swimming

The higher the altitude the more the sun burns your skin
Right
The higher the altitude the smaller is the attenuation of UV radiation by the atmosphere

It is not important to change your sun habits
Wrong
A change of personal habits is a first step in active protection against UV exposure

The cheapest and the best sun protection is shade
Right
Shade protects you against the direct rays. However, you should still protect yourself against the diffuse sky radiation
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Source:  UV-Index for the Public (pdf)   from the Working Group 4 of the COST-713 Action

   This data is not to be used for protection of life and property  
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