Bermuda Cancer and Health Center is pleased to have partnered with the Bermuda Weather Service to publish Bermuda's daily UV Index (UVI) reading.
Think UV not heat!
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D.
UV can’t be seen or felt and can be damaging even on cool or cloudy days.
When the UV is forecasted to reach 3 or above it indicates that exposure to the sun will damage skin and eyes and increase your risk for skin cancer.
Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the most important preventable factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable when sun protection measures against UV rays are used consistently.
What does UV Index mean?
The UV Index (UVI) represents the amount of skin damaging UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface at any instant of time. A UVI reading provides a scale that measures Ultra Violet Radiation from the sun, the major source of radiation that causes skin cancer, cataracts, and other illnesses.
The values of the index range from zero to 11+. The higher the UVI number, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for damage to occur. It is reported as a prediction of the UV level at noon, although the actual UV level rises and falls as the day progresses.
To download a flyer on the 5 simple steps to protect yourself - click here
Bermuda Cancer and Health Cnetre provide a free SunSmart programme to schools, camps and the community. For information click here.
Royal Gazette article July 17
