The possible health hazards of exposure to UVR range from short term effects such as sunburn and eye damage to chronic effects such as skin cancer and melanoma or cataracts.
It is also interesting to note that UVR has also been shown to suppress the immune response in humans and may increase the risk of infection and decrease the effectiveness of the body's defence mechanisms.
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Solar UV-Index. The Bureau of Meteorology issues a UV Index forecast every day to help people to avoid overexposure to high levels of UV radiation. In order to flag the time during the day when the levels of UV radiation can damage your skin, the Bureau, The Cancer Council Australia and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, have adopted the UV Alert based on the World Health Organisation's Global Solar UV Index.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the invisible killer that you cannot see and you cannot feel. Heat or high temperatures are not an indication of UV radiation.
A guide to the UV Index (taken from ARPANSA website) :
|
UV-Index Level |
Exposure Category |
Precautions |
|
2 or less |
Low |
You can safely stay outdoors with minimal protection. |
|
3 to 5 |
Moderate |
Wear sun protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and seek shady areas. |
|
6 to 7 |
High |
As above. |
|
8 to 10 |
Very High |
As above. |
|
11 or higher |
Extreme |
As above. |
To educate yourself more about the UV index, click on the flowing link;
http://www.bom.gov.au/info/about_uv.shtml
To see what the UV level is in your city or town today click on the following:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/uvindex_national.shtml