UV Index


Everyone is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other artificial sources used in industry, commerce and recreation. Emissions from the sun include light, heat and UV radiation. The sun is the strongest source of UV radiation in our environment. Small amounts of UV radiation are essential for the production of vitamin D in humans. However, over-exposure to it may lead to short and long-term adverse effects on the skin, eyes and immune system.

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun with wavelengths shorter than the visible spectrum. There are three spectral regions for incoming UV radiation. The three UV spectral regions are classified as UVA (320 - 400 nm), UVB (290 - 320 nm) and UVC (100 – 280nm). The shortest UV wavelength spectral region, UVC, is negligible at the surface of the earth as it is mostly absorbed by the ozone in stratosphere. Therefore, the UV radiation reaching the surface of the earth is mainly composed of UVA, with a relatively small but non-negligible amount of UVB.

As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, all UVC and about 90% of UVB is absorbed by ozone, water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide. UVA is not filtered as significantly by the atmosphere. Therefore, the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface is largely composed of UVA with a small amount of UVB component.

UV Radiation levels are influenced by:

Sun Elevation

The higher the sun in the sky, the higher the UV radiation level. Thus UV radiation levels vary with time of day and time of year.

Latitude

The closer to the equator, the UV radiation level is higher. Closer to the equator, the sun's rays have a shorter distance to travel through the atmosphere and therefore less radiation can be absorbed.

Altitude

The higher the altitude, the UV radiation level is higher. There is less atmosphere available in higher altitudes to absorb the radiation. With every 1000 m increase in altitude, UV radiation levels increase by around 10%.

Cloud COver

UV radiation levels are highest under cloudless skies. However, light or thin clouds have little effect in reducing exposure and may even enhance UV levels because of scattering.

Ozon

Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs some of the UV radiation that would otherwise reach the Earth's surface. Ozone levels vary over the year and even across the day.

Ground Reflection

UV radiation is reflected or scattered to varying extents by different surfaces, e.g. fresh snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation, dry beach sand about 15% and sea foam about 25%.

Why is UV radiation harmful?

Small amounts of UV are beneficial for people and essential in the production of vitamin D. UV radiation is also used to treat several diseases including rickets, psoriasis, eczema and jaundice. This takes place under medical supervision and the benefits of treatment versus the risks of UV radiation exposure are a matter of clinical judgement.

Prolonged human exposure to solar UV radiation may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye and immune system. Sunburn (erythema) is the best known acute effect of excessive UV radiation exposure. Over the longer term, UV radiation causes inflammatory reactions of the eye and induces degenerative changes in cells of the skin, fibrous tissue and blood vessels leading to premature skin aging, skin rashes and scaly skin condition.

Chronic effects include two major public health problems: skin cancer and cataracts. Between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and approximately 130,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. While non-melanoma skin cancers can be surgically removed and are rarely lethal, malignant melanoma substantially contributes to mortality rates, particularly in fair-skinned populations.

Annually, some 12 to 15 million people suffer blindness from cataracts worldwide. According to WHO estimates, up to 20% of these cases may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure, especially in countries close to the equator. UV radiation may also suppress the immune system, thereby enhance the risk of infectious disease and limit the efficacy of vaccinations.

People's behaviour in the sun is considered to be a major cause for the rise in skin cancer rates in recent decades. An increase in popular outdoor activities and a change in sunbathing habits often result in excessive exposure to UV radiation. Many people still perceive suntan as a symbol of attractiveness and good health.

Are darker-skinned people affected?

It is a popular misconception that only fair-skinned people need to be concerned about overexposure to the sun. Darker skin has more protective melanin pigment, and the incidence of skin cancer is lower in dark-skinned people. Nevertheless, skin cancers do occur with this group and unfortunately they are often detected at a later, more dangerous stage. The risk of UV radiation-related health effects on the eye and immune system is independent of skin type.

What is the solar UV Index?

The Solar UV Index (UVI) describes the level of solar UV radiation at the Earth surface. The values of the index range from zero upward - the higher the index value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur.

The UVI vary throughout the day. In reporting the UVI, most emphasis is placed on the maximum UV radiation level on a given day. For MetMalaysia, the UVI is reported hourly from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Why do we need the UVI?

The UVI is an important method to raise public awareness of the risks of excessive exposure to UV radiation, and to alert people about the need to adopt protective measures. Encouraging people to reduce their exposure to the sun can decrease harmful effects and significantly reduce health care costs. The UVI is especially aimed at vulnerable and highly-exposed groups such as children and tourists.

How UVI are reported?

The UVI values are grouped into exposure categories:

Cloudy weather doesn't mean you can't get burnt. UV radiation can penetrate through cloud. It's the UV radiation in the sun's rays that burns you and causes skin cancer. UV radiation is not seen or felt, and does not depend on the temperature level. That's why the damage to your skin and eyes can occur in hot or mild temperatures.

Shade, clothing and hats provide the best protection - apply sunscreen to parts of the body that remain exposed, like the face and hands. Sunscreen should never be used to prolong the duration of sun exposure.