Always wear suitable clothing, hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen to exposed skin when outdoors especially during summer.
Also look for or provide some form of shade as it is an effective form of sun protection.
In 1995 the reporting of UV radiation levels to the public was standardised by a UV Index, which is a number relating to how much solar UV radiation reaches the ground, based on the potential for skin injury. The reported value is calculated from the daily maximum UV radiation averaged over 10 minutes. On a clear sky day, the maximum UV radiation level occurs at solar noon. If there is substantial cloud cover during this time, the maximum may occur at another time when UV radiation levels are higher.
Relationship between UV Index and UV Exposure Category
UV Index Exposure Category
2 or less Low
3 to 5 Moderate
6 to 7 High
8 to 10 Very High
11+ Extreme
The exposure categories are based on the response of fair-skinned people to UV radiation.
As the numbers are internationally standardised, a UV Index of 8 in Australia is equivalent, for example, to a UV Index of 8 in India or Japan. On a cloud-free day, UV radiation levels change with solar elevation, and the daily maximum is taken as the UV Index. The three hours either side of solar noon (around 1pm daylight savings time) is when the UV radiation levels can be the highest.
It will take time for people to become familiar with the appropriate sun protection behaviour to adopt for a particular UV Index. For example, people know what clothes to wear to suit the weather. This is easy since our bodies respond to variations in temperature. Difficulties arise with UV radiation exposure because our bodies cannot “feel” UV radiation. We only know we have received too much solar UV radiation when our skin begins to redden 8 to 24 hours later.
2 or less: Low
A UV Index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person:
• Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
• If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.
Look Out Below
Snow and water can reflect the sun’s rays. Skiers and swimmers should take special care. Wear sunglasses or goggles, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Remember to protect areas that could be exposed to UV rays by the sun’s reflection, including under the chin and nose.
3 to 5: Moderate
A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
• Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside.
• Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
Me and My Shadow
An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
• If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be low.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.
6 to 7: High
A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Protection against sunburn is needed.
• Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Made in the Shades
Wearing sunglasses protects the lids of your eyes as well as the lens.
8 to 10: Very High
A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Minimize sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect yourself by liberally applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses to protect the eyes.
– Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
– Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Stay in the Game
Be careful during routine outdoor activities such as gardening or playing sports. Remember that UV exposure is especially strong if you are working or playing between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t forget that spectators, as well as participants, need to wear sunscreen and eye protection to avoid too much sun.
11+: Extreme
A UV Index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 liberally every 2 hours.
• Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure.
• Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Beat the Heat
It is possible to go outside when the UV Index is 11 or higher. Make sure you always seek shade, wear a hat, cover up, wear 99-100% UV-blocking sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Or you can opt to stay indoors and take the opportunity to relax with a good book rather than risk dangerous levels of sun exposure.
Always wear suitable clothing, hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen to exposed skin when outdoors in Spain especially during summer. Also look for or provide some form of shade as it is an effective form of sun protection.
Keep an eye on the UV levels.