UV INDEX
What Is the
UV Index?
Some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable; however, too much could be danger-
ous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate
effects, such as sunburn, and long-term problems, such as skin cancer and
cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information
to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun's rays.
The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk
of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV
intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11 + , where 1 indi-
cates a low risk of overexposure and 11 + signi-
fies an extreme risk. Calculated on a next-day
basis for every ZIP Code across the United
States, the UV Index takes into account
clouds and other local conditions that
affect the amount of UV radiation
reaching the ground in different parts
of the country.
SunWise Action Steps
By taking a few simple precautions daily, you can
greatly reduce your risk of sun-related illnesses. To be
SunWise, consider taking the following action steps daily:
Do Not Burn
Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
Generously Apply Sunscreen
Wear Protective Clothing, Including a Hat, Sunglasses, and Full-Length Clodiing
Seek Shade
Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
Watch for the UV Index
Get Vitamin D Safely
UJ
Li-
Early detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine ALL of your skin once
a month. A new or changing mole in an adult should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
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WHAT IS THE UV ALERT?
EPA issues a UV Alert when the level of solar UV radiation reaching your local area is
predicted to be unusually intense for the time of year. The UV Alert is a warning, and it
offers simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. The UV Alert con-
sists of the SunWise action steps and is posted by ZIP Code and City, State at
.
What does the UV Alert mean?
The UV Alert is based on the UV Index, which EPA provides with the support of the
National Weather Service. EPA only issues a UV Alert when the UV Index is predicted
to be 6 or higher and unusually intense for the time of year. In some parts of the United
States, the UV Index rarely or never reaches this level, so your local area may never
receive a UV Alert.
UV Alert days are not the only days you need to protect yourself. EPA recommends that
you take the SunWise action steps every day, regardless of the season. Because children
typically spend more time outdoors than adults, it is especially important that children
take these steps. Even if you have darker skin, EPA recommends that you act SunWise to
reduce your risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other UV-related health problems.
Where can I find the UV Index and UV Alert forecasts for my area?
You can find the UV Index and UV Alert forecasts for your area by visiting EPA's
SunWise Web site at . Enter your ZIP Code. The
resulting UV forecast will indicate if there is a UV Alert.
The SunWise Web site will direct you to EPA's EnviroFlash Web site, where you can sign
up to receive the dally UV Index and occasional UV Alerts directly by e-mail.
The National Weather Service is currently offering a national UV Alert map as an
experimental product. The map indicates which parts of the country have a UV Alert
forecast for the coming day. Follow the link from the SunWise Web site to the map.
While you should always take precautions against overexposure to the sun, please take
special care to adopt the safeguards when the UV Index predicts levels of high or above.
Watch for UV Index reports in your local newspapers, on television, and online, and
remember to always be SunWise!
For more information, visit our Web site at .
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