{"id":104,"date":"2015-06-08T00:12:44","date_gmt":"2015-06-08T08:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/?p=104"},"modified":"2015-06-08T09:34:26","modified_gmt":"2015-06-08T17:34:26","slug":"dont-forget-to-check-the-uv-index-along-with-the-temps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/2015\/06\/08\/dont-forget-to-check-the-uv-index-along-with-the-temps\/","title":{"rendered":"Don&#8217;t Forget to Check the UV Index Along with the Temps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify\">I\u2019ve noticed within the past few years, whenever I mention how high the UV index is on a particular day, I\u2019m always met with confusion. <em>\u201cWhat index? Are you reading a book?\u201d<\/em> I don&#8217;t know if awareness has faded\u00a0with time\u00a0or if it&#8217;s just my personal experience, but I want to\u00a0share some basic information about the UV index. It\u2019s an important thing to consider, especially\u00a0since summer is coming in the Northern Hemisphere.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>What is UV?<\/strong> Here is an explanation from the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.who.int\/uv\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization (WHO)<\/a>:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. Whereas <a href=\"http:\/\/www.who.int\/entity\/uv\/uv_and_health\/en\">UVC rays (wavelengths of 100-280 nm) are absorbed by the atmospheric ozone, most radiation in the UVA range (315-400 nm) and about 10 % of the UVB rays (280-315 nm)<\/a> reach the Earth\u2019s surface. Both UVA and UVB are of major importance to human health.<\/p>\n<p>Small amounts of UV are essential for the production of vitamin D in people, yet overexposure may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye and immune system.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>What do the numbers mean?<\/strong> Here is\u00a0a guide from the <a href=\"http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/sunwise\/uv-index-scale\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a>:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h1 class=\"page-title\">UV Index Scale<\/h1>\n<div class=\"panel-pane pane-node-content\">\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"node node-page clearfix view-mode-full \">\n<p>The UV Index scale used in the United States conforms with international guidelines for UVI reporting established by the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.who.int\/uv\/en\/\">World Health Organization<\/a>.\u00a0Learn how\u00a0to read the UV index Scale\u00a0to help you avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uviscaleh_lg.gif\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">0 to 2: Low<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"figure image mode-media_large right\">\n<div class=\"figure image file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"media-image media-element file-media-large alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uvi-low.jpg\" alt=\"UV Index Low - Green\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>A UV Index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from the sun&#8217;s UV rays for the average person.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Wear sunglasses on bright days.<\/li>\n<li>If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.<\/li>\n<li>Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">3\u00a0to 5:\u00a0Moderate<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"figure image mode-media_large right\">\n<div class=\"figure image file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"media-image media-element file-media-large alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uvi-moderate.jpg\" alt=\"UV Index Moderate - Yellow\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.<\/li>\n<li>If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.<\/li>\n<li>Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.<\/li>\n<li>Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">6 to 7:\u00a0High<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"figure image mode-media_large right\">\n<div class=\"figure image file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"media-image media-element file-media-large alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uvi-high.jpg\" alt=\"UV Index High - Orange\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against skin and eye damage is needed.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.<\/li>\n<li>Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.<\/li>\n<li>Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">8\u00a0to 10:\u00a0Very High<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"figure image mode-media_large right\">\n<div class=\"figure image file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"media-image media-element file-media-large alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uvi-veryhigh.jpg\" alt=\"UV Index Very High - Red\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.<\/li>\n<li>Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.<\/li>\n<li>Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">11 or more: Extreme<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"figure image mode-media_large right\">\n<div class=\"figure image file file-image file-image-jpeg view-mode-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"media-image media-element file-media-large alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/skepticinkcom.c.presscdn.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/uvi-extreme.jpg\" alt=\"UV Index Extreme - Purple\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A UV Index reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.<\/li>\n<li>Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.<\/li>\n<li>Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box multi\">\n<h3 class=\"pane-title\">The Shadow Rule<\/h3>\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<p>An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.<\/li>\n<li>If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">It&#8217;s important to take into account the UV index not just for our own protection, but when understanding others. I&#8217;ve seen situations in which friends and family living in different cities or countries could not understand why a loved one got a sunburn when it was &#8220;only __\u00a0degrees&#8221; outside and they weren&#8217;t out all day. <em>&#8220;It&#8217;s hotter than that here and I was fine!&#8221;<\/em> Sometimes temperatures that seem low in numbers can still be dangerous conditions in which to work, exercise, or play. Similar to how we take humidity levels into account (especially in certain regions), everyone\u00a0should pay attention to the UV index when looking up\u00a0the weather forecast. We may not be able to immediately feel it the way we do with temperature and\u00a0humidity, but it should be considered when planning which activities to do, what time of day to do them, how long they can be done, what to wear, and how much sunscreen\u00a0we will need.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Here&#8217;s a visual aid showing the mean\u00a0UV index in the US for the\u00a0summer months. (If you have relevant\u00a0links or\u00a0images for other countries, please share in the comments.)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_105\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-105\" style=\"width: 694px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/UVindex-US-summer.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-105\" src=\"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/UVindex-US-summer-1024x799.jpg\" alt=\"UVindex-US-summer\" width=\"694\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/UVindex-US-summer-1024x799.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/UVindex-US-summer-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/files\/2015\/06\/UVindex-US-summer.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 694px) 100vw, 694px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-105\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Compiled using images from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sunwise\/uvimonth.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sunwise\/uvimonth.html<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">For more information on UV index, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.who.int\/uv\/publications\/en\/UVIGuide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here is a pdf<\/a> from WHO,\u00a0World Meteorological Organization,<br \/>\nUnited Nations Environment Programme, and\u00a0International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Stay safe and have a great summer. To the readers in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope your winter is great and please remember that\u00a0snow reflecting the sun can increase your UV exposure. So <em>everyone<\/em>\u00a0please stay safe and have fun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve noticed within the past few years, whenever I mention how high the UV index is on a particular day,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76,74,75],"tags":[13,79,77,78],"class_list":["post-104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-science","category-weather","tag-health","tag-sun","tag-uv-index","tag-weather"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104\/revisions\/112"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skepticink.com\/verycherry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}