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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nWarm weather can often bring high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. <\/p>\n
UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Some exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much can cause skin damage. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Is UV dangerous?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nUV 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 we need to be careful about how much time we spend in the sunshine, warns Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George’s, University of London.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
UV radiation promotes skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells.<\/p>\n
It also plays a substantial role in skin ageing, contributing to wrinkles and loosened folds.<\/p>\n
UV exposure has also been linked to eye problems,<\/b><\/a> including cataracts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat is the UV index? <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nLevels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.<\/p>\n
The highest readings occur in the four-hour period around “solar noon”, when the sun is at its highest – 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![](\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250728-162205-9b8a2dcb37-web-2.26.0-8\/grey-placeholder.png\")
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\nCountries 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 normally hits nine in June and July.<\/p>\n
But the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic never usually get above five, even in summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What do the different UV levels mean for people?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nAccording to the WHO, no sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n
Some sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n
Extra sun protection is required when UV levels are: <\/p>\n
\n- 11+ (extremely high) <\/li>\n
- 8-10 (very high) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Children are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults, and therefore require additional protection at lower levels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
How can you avoid UV damage?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\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 we need to be careful about how much time we spend in the sunshine, warns Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George’s, University of London.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
UV radiation promotes skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells.<\/p>\n
It also plays a substantial role in skin ageing, contributing to wrinkles and loosened folds.<\/p>\n
UV exposure has also been linked to eye problems,<\/b><\/a> including cataracts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.<\/p>\n The highest readings occur in the four-hour period around “solar noon”, when the sun is at its highest – 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 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 normally hits nine in June and July.<\/p>\n But the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic never usually get above five, even in summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n According to the WHO, no sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n Some sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n Extra sun protection is required when UV levels are: <\/p>\n Children are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults, and therefore require additional protection at lower levels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat is the UV index? <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
What are the different UV levels?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nWhat do the different UV levels mean for people?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
How can you avoid UV damage?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n