UV radiation

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What is UV?

In Australia, we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world.

UV is a type of energy produced by the sun and some artificial sources, such as solariums.

UV radiation can’t be seen or felt. That’s why it’s important to have technology to help us monitor and communicate the level of UV radiation from the sun at all times.

What is the UV Index?

The World Health Organization's Global Solar UV Index measures UV levels on a scale from 0 (Low) to 11+ (Extreme).

The UV level is affected by several factors including the time of day, time of year, cloud cover, altitude, location and surrounding surfaces.

Most parts of Australia have high levels of UV radiation from the sun all year round. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and is not related to temperature.

When to protect your skin from UV

UV levels can be harmful on warm, sunny days and on cool, cloudy days too. When the UV levels hits 3 (Moderate) or above, cover up from UV and protect your skin.

UV is always highest during the middle part of the day between 10am and 2pm or 11am and 3pm daylight saving time.

To ensure your skin is protected from UV, use all five forms of sun protection.

You can cover your skin by wearing a hat, clothing and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to any parts of skin you can’t cover with clothing. Enjoy shady areas outdoors to give you extra coverage.

If you need help remembering, you can use our slogan “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.”

Download the free SunSmart Global UV app so you know when UV levels can damage your skin leading to skin cancer. 

You can also find the UV index through the Bureau of Meteorology website or weather app, and through our SunSmart website widget.

How does UV reflect off surfaces?

UV can reflect off different surfaces and be scattered by particles in the air. UV reflects from surfaces, especially if smooth, shiny or light-coloured, and natural surfaces, like sand, water or snow.

Why is UV a risk in the snow?

UV levels can be more intense in the snow for two reasons:

  1. The atmosphere is thinner at high altitudes and absorbs less UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation intensity increases by about 10–12% for every 1000 metres of altitude.
  2. Snow is highly reflective. On a sunny day, clean fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. This means you can be exposed to almost a double dose of UV – directly from the sun and bouncing off snow-covered surfaces.

UV radiation from the sun – not heat – is the main cause of damage increasing your skin cancer risk.

Does UV exposure add up over time?

UV damage is accumulative which means it can build up over time. When UV radiation hits our exposed skin, it damages cells genetic material also known as DNA. This DNA damage can evolve into skin cancer and have deadly consequences.

Our body naturally tries to repair DNA damage; but often the body's ability to repair the damage fails and if this happens the process of cancer can start. If you notice your skin starts to change colour – what people often call a ‘tan’ – that’s a clear and visible sign that damage is being done.

The more your skin is exposed to UV radiation, the greater the risk of damage and skin cancer. That’s why it's important for outdoor workers to protect their skin all year round. Even low UV levels can be harmful when exposed for long periods.

What does too much UV radiation do?

UV radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, eye damage, and DNA damage to skin cells leading to skin cancer.

Sunburn is a UV radiation burn to the skin. In Victoria's summer months, UV can cause damage in as little as 11 minutes.

UV damage can’t be undone and adds to your lifetime tally of UV damage, increasing your skin cancer risk.

UV radiation can also cause serious eye conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration and ocular melanoma.

Protect yourself from UV by using all five forms of sun protection.

 

UV and vitamin D

The sun's UV radiation is both the main cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D.

Solariums and tanning

It is illegal to operate a commercial sun bed (solarium or collarium) in Australia.