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The Dangers of High UV Index: A Health Hazard Alert

On April 7th, the UV index soared to high levels across many regions. Notably, the National Weather and Hydrology Forecast Center issued a warning, predicting that the UV index will continue to rise over the next three days.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

According to a National Weather Forecast Center announcement, the UV index will reach very high levels in many regions over the next three days (April 8-10, 2022). Notably, in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City, the UV index is expected to reach a level of 11.

UV index issued by the National Weather Forecast Center

Specifically, from April 8 to 10, the UV index in some cities and provinces is as follows: Hanoi 9-9-9, Hai Phong 9-9-9, Ha Long city 9-9-9, Hue city 10-10-10, Da Nang 9-10-9, Hoi An 10-10-7, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) 11-11-11, Ho Chi Minh City 11-9-9, Can Tho 10-8-10, and Ca Mau 11-10-11.

1 How Dangerous is a UV Index of 11?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a UV index of 11 is considered very high and extremely harmful to the skin. A UV index of 11 and above can cause sunburn and eye damage if exposed continuously for 15 minutes without protective gear or shielding.

According to several experts, UV rays are a major cause of skin discoloration, freckles, and aging…. More seriously, exposure to sunlight with a high UV index can also cause cataracts and skin cancer.

A UV index of 11 can cause sunburn with prolonged exposure

2 How to Protect Your Health on Days with a High UV Index

To protect your health and skin during these days, keep the following in mind:

Always Wear a Hat, Sunglasses, and Cover Up When Going Outside

If you must go outside on such sunny days, make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and cover your skin adequately to minimize direct sun exposure.

Always wear a hat, sunglasses, and cover up when going outside

Avoid Going Out During Peak Hours from 10 AM to 1 PM

This is the time of day when UV radiation is at its highest, so going outside during this period is extremely harmful. Therefore, try to stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight during these hours.

Avoid going out during peak UV hours

Apply Sunscreen Liberally

To protect your skin, apply sunscreen generously when going outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating for optimal protection.

Apply sunscreen liberally

Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to external protection, internal protection through vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential. Include vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet to boost your body’s defenses.

Supplement with vitamins and minerals

This is essential information about the UV index for the upcoming days. Take the necessary precautions to protect your health and that of your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

UV radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun. It has both benefits and harmful effects on human health. While moderate exposure helps our bodies produce vitamin D, excessive exposure can lead to serious health issues. UV radiation is known to cause skin cancer, accelerate skin aging, and contribute to eye damage, including cataracts.

The intensity of UV radiation is measured using the UV Index, which provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The UV Index ranges from 0 to 11+, with higher values indicating a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. It takes into account factors such as the time of day, cloud cover, and ozone levels.

A high UV index poses significant health hazards. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, which is not only painful but also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. It can also cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as contribute to the development of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

To protect yourself, it is important to practice sun safety. This includes seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun is at its peak. Wear protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, and don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it frequently, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. It’s also crucial to keep yourself hydrated.

Yes, there are several useful apps and tools available. The UV Lens app provides personalized UV forecasts and sun protection reminders. You can also use online tools like the UV Index forecast map from the Weather Channel or the EPA’s SunWise program, which offers a variety of resources to help you stay informed and protect yourself from overexposure to UV radiation.