WHO warns about the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet (UV) levels are typically high during clear weather, between the dry season and the transition between the dry and rainy seasons. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to UV damage to their skin and eyes, according to Who.int .

Ultraviolet radiation is invisible.

Effects on the skin

Acute effects of UV radiation include DNA damage, sunburn, and immunosuppression. Immunosuppression is a risk factor for cancer and can reactivate viruses.

Excessive exposure to UV rays caused more than 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer and over 120,000 skin cancer deaths globally in 2020, according to Who.int .

Effects on the eyes

Acute effects of UV radiation include keratitis and photoconjunctivitis. Chronic effects of UV radiation on the eyes include:

Cataracts: An estimated 15 million people worldwide are blind due to cataracts, with approximately 10% of these cases caused by UV exposure, according to Who.int .

Eye cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause cancer in and around the eyes.

Macular degeneration: Exposure to UV rays can also lead to age-related macular degeneration.

Protective measures

Skin cancer is largely preventable. The WHO recommends the following measures to protect the skin and eyes from excessive exposure to UV rays.

• Limit your time outdoors during the midday sun.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, face, ears, and neck.
• Wear sunglasses that protect against UV rays.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on areas of skin not covered by clothing.

What is the UVI index?

UVI is an index that describes the level of ultraviolet radiation from the sun on the Earth's surface.

The higher the UVI index, the greater the risk of harm to the skin and eyes. Sun protection should be used when the UVI index is 3 or higher.

Doctors advise people to consider avoiding going outside when the UVI index is above 7. If the index reaches 10, it signals dangerous radiation levels and people should stay indoors to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, according to The Stars .

A UVI of 10 means there is a very high risk of health damage from unprotected sun exposure. At this level, skin can get burned in just 25 minutes.

A level of 11 or higher means the UV levels are extremely dangerous, capable of damaging skin and burning the eyes if you're outside for just 15 minutes without protection, according to The Stars .

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