Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Extreme
- Low: You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.
- Moderate to High: Stay in the shade, and when exposed to direct sunlight use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF-15 or higher on exposed skin. Protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended.
- Very High to Extreme: Extra protection needed. Remain in the shade if possible. Maintain a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF-15 or higher. Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing are encouraged.
The Center for Disease Control defines Ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a form of non-ionizing radiation which is emitted by the sun and some artificial sources like tanning beds.
The benefits of UV radiation include the production of vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and also helps bone development.
Prolonged overexposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging, as well as, increasing the risk of blinding eye diseases if eye protection is not used.
Risks for UV radiation overexposure increase with people who:
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned.
- Have light-color skin, hair and eyes.
- Take oral or topical medications like antibiotics, birth control pills and benzoyl peroxide products.
- Have a family member with skin cancer.
- Are over the age of 50.
UV index data comes from modeled predictions provided by The Weather Company.
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