The UV Index is an international standard measurement that indicates the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a specific place and time on the Earth's surface. It is designed as a linear scale, where higher values correspond to stronger UV radiation and a greater risk of skin damage, such as sunburn

. Key points about the UV Index:

• It represents the expected daily peak level of erythemally weighted UV irradiance, typically around solar noon

• The scale usually ranges from 0 (minimal UV radiation, e.g., at night) to 11 or more (extreme UV levels, such as midday tropical sun)

• The UV Index helps people determine when and how to protect themselves from UV exposure, with sun protection recommended when the index is 3 or higher

• It accounts for factors like the sun’s position, ozone layer thickness, cloud cover, elevation, and surface reflectivity

• The index is uniform worldwide, meaning a UV Index of 7 in one country has the same meaning as in another

Typical UV Index categories and recommendations:

UV Index Range| Exposure Level| Protection Advice
---|---|---
0-2| Low| Minimal protection needed
3-5| Moderate| Take sun protection measures
6-7| High| Protection required: sunscreen, hats, shade
8-10| Very High| Extra protection needed; avoid prolonged exposure
11+| Extreme| Maximum protection; avoid sun exposure

People are advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade when the UV Index is 3 or above to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer

. In summary, the UV Index is a practical tool to gauge the risk of UV radiation exposure and guide appropriate sun protection measures to safeguard skin and eye health