Consult the UV index today to determine whether the sun exposure is safe or if precautions should be taken.
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2024-12-14T01:03:47.975Z
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2024-12-13T17:05:46.230Z
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Explore our Real-Time UV Index Forecast Chart to stay informed about the varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day
The most commonly used scheme to classify a person’s skin type by their response to sun exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning was developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD. As a meter of fact even the skin color of Emoji characters based on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Skin Type | Color | Typical Features | Tanning Ability | Time to Burn (minutes) |
---|---|---|---|---|
I | Red or blond hair; light-colored eyes; freckles likely | Always burns, does not tan | ∞ | |
II | Light eyes; light hair | Burns easily, tans poorly | ∞ | |
III | Any eye or hair color (very common skin type) | Tans after initial burn | ∞ | |
IV | Dark brown hair; medium to heavy pigmentation | Burns minimally, tans easily | ∞ | |
V | Dark hair; rarely sun sensitive | Rarely burns, tans darkly easily | ∞ | |
VI | N/A | Never burns, always tans darkly | ∞ |
Highly reflective surfaces can increase surrounding levels of solar UV including concrete, snow, glass, water and polished metals (see source).
Material | Reflected Solar UV Rays (%) | Effective UV Index | UV Color |
---|---|---|---|
New black roadway (Asphalt) | 4.1% | 0 | |
Old grey roadway (Asphalt) | 8.9% | 0 | |
Footpath (Concrete) | 10.1% | 0 | |
Grasslands (Grass) | 1.2% | 0 | |
Lawn (Grass) | 3.5% | 0 | |
Fiberglass boat deck | 9.1% | 0 | |
White house paint | 22% | 0 | |
Wet beach sand | 7.1% | 0 | |
Dry beach sand | 16.5% | 0 | |
Clay/humus (Soil) | 5% | 0 | |
Open water | 3.3% | 0 | |
Open ocean | 8% | 0 | |
Sea surf/white foam | 27.5% | 0 | |
Snow old/new | 69% | 0 | |
Wood boat deck | 6.6% | 0 |
Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth and is also important for general health. The human body can get vitamin D in two ways: diet or sun exposure.
Minutes for sunlight exposure for sufficient Vitamin D intake (see source).
Skin Type | Exposure Time (Current UV Level: Low) |
---|---|
I | 15-20m |
II | 20-30m |
III | 30-40m |
IV | 40-60m |
V | 60-80m |
VI | - |
This chart presents a detailed view of the UV Index fluctuations throughout the past year, enabling you to identify the months with lower UV levels. By observing the monthly UV trends, you can determine the safer periods for outdoor activities with reduced risk of harmful UV exposure. It's a practical tool for planning outdoor ventures while prioritizing skin health and safety.
Minutes for sunlight exposure for sufficient Vitamin D intake (see source).
The UV Index is a measure of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation level at the Earth's surface, developed by the World Health Organization , the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Meteorological Organization. It provides a simple and understandable indication of the potential for sunburn and skin damage, helping people to protect themselves against UV radiation.
The index ranges from 0 to 11+, where higher values indicate a greater risk of skin and eye damage from UV exposure. The levels are categorized as follows: low (0-2), moderate (3-5), high (6-7), very high (8-10), extreme (11+). This scale helps individuals determine the necessary protective measures, like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Factors affecting the UV Index include geographical location, time of day, season, altitude, and cloud cover. Near the equator, during summer months, and at higher altitudes, the UV Index is generally higher. Cloud cover can either increase or decrease UV exposure, depending on cloud type.
The UV Index is a crucial tool for raising awareness about the risks of UV radiation, encouraging preventive behaviors, and reducing the incidence of Skin Cancer and other UV-related health effects. It is widely disseminated through weather forecasts and dedicated apps.
Know your skin type to understand your risk level and required protection.
Use UV index forecasts for your specific location to plan outdoor activities.
Adjust your sun protection measures based on the duration and type of outdoor activity.
Consistently apply these measures to protect your skin from UV damage.
Find here the most frequent questions while enriching your knowledge.
Answer: It informs people about the strength of the sun's UV rays, allowing them to take appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and eye damage.
Answer: The UV index scale typically ranges from 0 to 11 or higher. The higher the index value, the greater the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Answer: Several factors can influence the UV index, including time of day, altitude, cloud cover, ozone concentration, and the amount of sun-reflecting surfaces, such as water or snow.
Answer: Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses. It's also advisable to avoid outdoor activities during peak UV times, typically from 10 am to 4 pm.
Answer: No, UV radiation can be harmful year-round. Even during winter or on cloudy days, UV radiation can still be at harmful levels, especially at high altitudes or when reflected off snow or ice.
Answer: uvindex.io is a hypothetical website that provides real-time information about the UV index in various locations, helping users understand and protect against the risks of UV radiation.
Answer: uvindex.io gathers data from various reliable sources, including satellite readings, weather stations, and meteorological organizations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for users.
Answer: Yes, uvindex.io is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring users can check the UV index on the go.
Answer: We are constantly looking to improve and expand our services based on user needs and feedback. Keep an eye on our updates and announcements for new features.