The high temperatures can affect the skin, especially the face, if you do not have the care necessary.
These are some recommendations to protect yourself from the sun:
In the specific case of days in which the IUV is 11 or more, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking the following precautions, since “the skin and eyes Without protection they can burn in minutes”:
- Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If you are outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even if it’s cloudy, and after swimming or sweating.
- Be careful with shiny surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure.
The shadow rule
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An easy way to know how much radiation you are receiving is to look at your shadow – credit ReutersIf you are not sure how much UV exposure you are receiving, the EPA recommends looking at your shadow and detailing the following points:
- If your shadow is taller than you (early morning or late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
- If your shadow is shorter than you (around midday), you are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.
Health effects
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Solar radiation can cause eye cancer – credit Illustrative Image InfobaeThe WHO recalled that, although small amounts of ultraviolet radiation are necessary to produce vitamin D, excessive exposure has negative health consequences, such as:
- DNA damage.
- Sunburn.
- Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions and immunosuppression, which can be considered a risk factor for cancer and lead to the reactivation of viruses (for example, cold sores).
- Cutaneous melanoma: a malignant and potentially fatal tumor.
- Cancer in and around the eye (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma).
- Cataract (an eye disease in which the lens becomes increasingly opaque, causing impaired vision and eventually blindness).
Given the innumerable health risks that excessive exposure to UV radiation can mean, the WHO reiterated its call to take protective measures.
Source: Infobae
