2007-02-21 07:13:53 · 6 answers · asked by Ophelia 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
A UV index of 3 or more means that the Sun could damage your skin which could lead to skin cancers. You should take some precautions against skin damage - use sunscreen, wear a hat, seek shade. The same system of UV rating is used worldwide so if you are travelling you will know what to expect.
1-2 is Low
3-5 is Moderate
6-7 is High
8 -10 is Very high
11+ is Extreme
The highest UV readings are at local apparent noon, not the time of the highest temperature which is usually 3-4pm. On high UV days, do your sunbathing early or late.
If you are travelling it is important to remember that the same scale is used everywhere. Visitors to Australia often do not realise how strong the Sun is. The UV Index for today is 8 in Melbourne and 16 in Cairns and Darwin. You do not go out in the Sun without taking adequate precautions.
2007-02-21 08:14:03 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The UV index is an international standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. It is a scale primarily used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public.
Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light, of which excessive exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts, skin aging, and skin cancer (see the section health effects of ultraviolet light). Public-health organizations recommend that people protect themselves (for example, by applying sunscreen to the skin and wearing a hat) when the UV index is 3 or higher; see the table below for complete recommendations.
2007-02-22 01:44:31 · answer #2 · answered by Big Poppa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A UV index rating of 5 is about mid scale, or moderate. This (according to WHO and the EPA) means that you should take some precautions to protect your skin from UV damage, especially during midday.
See these pages for a description of the index rating scale:
http://www.who.int/uv/intersunprogramme/activities/uv_index/en/
http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uviscale.html
2007-02-21 07:20:51 · answer #3 · answered by DrewD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That means the the UV index is moderate. 0 is none, and 12 is the highest.
2007-02-21 12:14:38 · answer #4 · answered by Tikimaskedman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lather yourself up with sunscreen!
2007-02-22 02:38:45 · answer #5 · answered by YinxSphinxmen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a moderate burn/tan.
2007-02-21 11:41:05 · answer #6 · answered by Justin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋