UV Scale Index Explained

The UV Index Scale
 
Are you familiar with the UV Index Scale? Established by the World Health Organization, it is a guide to help one avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation...which comes from the sun, tanning beds, and welding torches. July has been named Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month by the US Department of Health and Human Services, in order to spread information about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

According to the EPA, here is what the numbers on the scale mean:

0-2 (low):  No protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.

3-7 (moderate to high): Protection needed. Seek shade during late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

8+ (very high to extreme): Extra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of  SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.

An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.
 
I hope you will continue to safely enjoy the summer and protect the skin you’re in!
Becky