{"id":37484,"date":"2024-06-29T05:17:09","date_gmt":"2024-06-29T05:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/news\/levels-and-tanning-risks-explained\/"},"modified":"2024-06-29T05:17:10","modified_gmt":"2024-06-29T05:17:10","slug":"levels-and-tanning-risks-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/news\/levels-and-tanning-risks-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Levels and tanning risks explained"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"GettyGetty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Some UV radiation is essential for our wellbeing, and the sun’s rays provide warmth and light. <\/p>\n

But balance is key – UV exposure can also cause dangerous skin damage. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Is UV dangerous?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n

We need to control our exposure, says Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George’s, University of London.<\/p>\n

UV is beneficial because it enables our skin to produce essential vitamin D.<\/p>\n

This is important for the function of bones, blood cells and our immune system. <\/p>\n

“But UV is also dangerous because every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer. <\/p>\n

“Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK, the ongoing rise being attributed to sunbathing,” she said.<\/p>\n

UV radiation promotes skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells.<\/p>\n

It has also been linked to eye problems,<\/a> including cataracts.<\/p>\n

And there is growing evidence<\/a> that UV light may reduce the body’s ability to defend itself against certain diseases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What is the UV index? <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.<\/p>\n

The highest readings occur in the four-hour period around “solar noon”, which is when the sun is at its highest spot in the sky – usually from late morning to early afternoon.<\/p>\n

The UV Index (or UVI) is a standard, international measure of ultraviolet radiation.<\/p>\n

Values start at zero and can rise above 10.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What are the different UV levels?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

Countries close to the equator can experience very high UV levels in the middle of the day, throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Nairobi in Kenya can have UV levels above 10 all year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n

Majorca in Spain, will normally hit nine in June and July.<\/p>\n

But the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic never usually gets above five in December and January (when it is summer in the southern hemisphere).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

According to the WHO, extra sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n