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[[Ultraviolet Index]] (UV Index) is an international standard measurement that gauges the intensity of sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a specific location and time. This scale was created by Canadian scientists in 1992, later adopted and standardized by the [[United Nations]]' [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the [[World Meteorological Organization]] (WMO) in 1994.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=McKenzie|first1=Richard L.|last2=Björn|first2=Lars Olof|last3=Bais|first3=Alkiviadis|last4=Ilyasd|first4=Mohd Radzi|title=Changes in biologically active ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface|journal=Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences|date=2003|volume=2|issue=1|pages=5–15|doi=10.1039/b211155c|pmid=12661507}}</ref> Primarily intended for daily forecasts for public consumption, it is increasingly available as an hourly forecast.
{{Short description|Measure of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation at a particular place and time}}


==Principles of the Ultraviolet Index==
The '''ultraviolet index''' ('''UVI''') is an international standard measurement of the strength of [[ultraviolet]] (UV) radiation from the [[Sun]] at a particular place and time. It is primarily used to help people protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause [[sunburn]], [[skin cancer]], and other health issues.


The UV Index is designed to reflect the intensity of UV radiation that contributes to skin sunburn. It is a dimensionless quantity calculated based on measurements or predictions of UV radiation levels. The higher the index, the stronger the radiation, implying a higher risk of sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=WHO|title=UV Index: How to Interpret|url=https://www.who.int/uv/publications/en/UVIGuide.pdf|year=2002|access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref>
==History==
The concept of the UV index was developed in the early 1990s by Canadian scientists as a way to inform the public about the risks of UV exposure. It was later adopted by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO), the [[United Nations Environment Programme]] (UNEP), and the [[World Meteorological Organization]] (WMO) as a global standard.


==Calculation of the Ultraviolet Index==
==Measurement==
The UV index is calculated based on several factors, including the angle of the sun, the amount of [[ozone]] in the atmosphere, and the presence of clouds. It is expressed as a number on a scale, typically ranging from 0 to 11+, where higher values indicate a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.


The UV Index calculation takes into account a range of factors, including the angle of the sun (which varies with latitude, altitude, and time of year), cloud cover, ozone concentration, and ground reflection. It is typically presented on a scale from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (extreme risk).<ref>{{Cite journal|last=McKinlay|first=Alistair F.|last2=Diffey|first2=Brian L.|title=A reference action spectrum for ultraviolet induced erythema in human skin|journal=Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Journal|date=1987|volume=6|issue=1|pages=17–22}}</ref>
==Scale==
The UV index scale is divided into categories that indicate the level of risk:
* 0-2: Low
* 3-5: Moderate
* 6-7: High
* 8-10: Very High
* 11+: Extreme


==Applications of the Ultraviolet Index==
==Health Effects==
Exposure to UV radiation can lead to various health effects, including:
* [[Sunburn]]
* [[Skin cancer]], including [[melanoma]]
* [[Cataracts]] and other eye damage
* [[Premature aging]] of the skin


The UV Index is widely used to inform the public about the potential risks of sun exposure, providing a clear and simple guide to the intensity of sunburn-producing UV radiation. It is commonly reported in weather forecasts and is increasingly being used to provide real-time and forecast data on websites and mobile applications. The index helps people to make informed decisions about sun protection, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and timing of outdoor activities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Environmental Protection Agency|title=UV Index Scale|url=https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-1|year=2022|access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref>
==Protection==
To protect against UV radiation, it is recommended to:
* Wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves
* Use [[sunscreen]] with a high [[sun protection factor]] (SPF)
* Seek shade during peak sun hours
* Wear [[sunglasses]] that block UV rays


==Health Implications and Sun Protection==
==Related pages==
* [[Ozone layer]]
* [[Sunburn]]
* [[Skin cancer]]


Excessive exposure to UV radiation is associated with a range of health issues, including sunburn, skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. The UV Index serves as a tool to raise awareness of these risks and to encourage appropriate sun protection measures.<ref>{{Cite web|last=World Health Organization|title=Ultraviolet radiation (UV)|url=https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)|year=2022|access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref> These measures may include:
==Gallery==
[[File:GOME.uviecclimyear_lr.gif|thumb|Global UV index map]]
[[File:UV_Index_NYC.png|thumb|UV index forecast for New York City]]
[[File:Erythemal_action_spectrum.svg|thumb|Erythemal action spectrum]]


* '''[[Sunscreen]] Use:''' Sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays. The higher the UV Index, the higher the SPF should be.
==References==
* '''Protective Clothing:''' Wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide additional protection.
* {{cite web |title=UV Index |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index |website=World Health Organization |access-date=October 10, 2023}}
* '''Avoiding Peak Sun Hours:''' The UV radiation is usually most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When possible, it's best to avoid prolonged sun exposure during these hours.
* {{cite web |title=Understanding the UV Index |url=https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-0 |website=United States Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=October 10, 2023}}
 
==Future Trends and Technology==
 
Given the global concern over [[Ozone depletion|ozone layer depletion]] and climate change, the UV Index continues to be an essential tool for public health communication. With advancements in technology, there are now wearable UV sensors and smartphone apps that provide real-time UV Index readings, encouraging sun-safe behaviors.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Environmental Protection Agency|title=SunWise UV Index|url=https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sunwise-uv-index|year=2022|access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref> Future developments will likely focus on increasing the accessibility and accuracy of UV Index forecasts and real-time data, further helping individuals to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure.


==See Also==
[[Category:Ultraviolet radiation]]
 
[[Category:Public health]]
* [[Sunburn]]
* [[Ozone depletion]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
* [[Sun protective clothing]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{stub}}
[[Category:Radiation health effects]]
[[Category:Weather prediction]]
[[Category:Sun tanning]]
[[Category:International standards]]

Revision as of 23:52, 9 February 2025

Measure of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation at a particular place and time


The ultraviolet index (UVI) is an international standard measurement of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun at a particular place and time. It is primarily used to help people protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other health issues.

History

The concept of the UV index was developed in the early 1990s by Canadian scientists as a way to inform the public about the risks of UV exposure. It was later adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a global standard.

Measurement

The UV index is calculated based on several factors, including the angle of the sun, the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, and the presence of clouds. It is expressed as a number on a scale, typically ranging from 0 to 11+, where higher values indicate a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Scale

The UV index scale is divided into categories that indicate the level of risk:

  • 0-2: Low
  • 3-5: Moderate
  • 6-7: High
  • 8-10: Very High
  • 11+: Extreme

Health Effects

Exposure to UV radiation can lead to various health effects, including:

Protection

To protect against UV radiation, it is recommended to:

Related pages

Gallery

Global UV index map
UV index forecast for New York City
Erythemal action spectrum

References

UV Index(link). World Health Organization.


Accessed October 10, 2023.


Understanding the UV Index(link). United States Environmental Protection Agency.


Accessed October 10, 2023.

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