Health authorities are warning the public about elevated ultraviolet radiation levels expected during a period of extreme heat in the UK. UV radiation, emitted by the Sun and penetrating Earth’s atmosphere, plays a dual role in human health: it enables skin to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone function, blood cell health, and immune system performance. However, excessive exposure poses significant health risks.
Damage from overexposure to UV radiation includes skin cancer development through DNA damage in skin cells, skin aging marked by wrinkles and loose folds, and eye problems such as cataracts. According to medical experts, melanoma, identified as the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK. UV radiation levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest readings occurring during a four-hour window around solar noon, typically from late morning to early afternoon.
The UV Index measures ultraviolet radiation on a scale starting at zero and rising above 10, with higher numbers indicating greater potential for skin and eye damage and faster onset of harm. In the UK, summer UV levels typically range from 5 to 6, with a maximum of 8 occurring only in exceptional cases. By contrast, equatorial regions experience significantly higher levels year-round; Nairobi, Kenya can have readings above 10 throughout the year, while Majorca, Spain typically reaches 9 during June and July.
Protective measures are recommended when UV levels are medium to high. The NHS advises using sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or above with at least 4-star UVA protection, applied to all exposed skin approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure. Application should cover the entire body at a rate of six to eight teaspoons for adults and requires reapplication every two hours or after sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Additional protective strategies include wearing appropriate clothing and sunglasses, and spending time in shade between 11:00 and 15:00 from March to October in the UK. Children require additional protection due to greater sensitivity to UV radiation compared to adults.
Experts emphasize that UV damage can occur regardless of temperature or cloud cover, and that skin tone does not guarantee protection. Self-tanning products are recommended as alternatives to sun tanning, which provides minimal protection equivalent to SPF 4 and offers no safe health benefits. The damaging effects of excessive UV exposure, including immune system harm and eye damage, affect people across all skin colors and ethnicities.
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