UV and You

The Dangers of UV Exposure

• You can sunburn even on a cloudy day!
• It is important to know that 60-80% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is estimated to occur by age 18 - a good reason to protect children from the sun!
• Concrete, sand, water, and snow reflect 85% of the sun’s UV rays.
• Depletion of Earth’s ozone layer continues to increase your exposure to UV rays!
• The sun is responsible for 90% of visible signs of ageing.

When are UV Rays the strongest?

The sun’s radiation is strongest during the summer months. However, you should protect yourself from early spring right through to the fall. If you must be in the sun, wear clothes that cover your skin, including hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Exposure also depends on other factors:

Time of Day —

UV is greatest when the sun is at its highest in the sky.

Season —

While UV exposure is the greatest in the summer (May - August) in Canada, it is important to remember that UV rays reach the Earth every day and you should be sun safe year-round — including wintertime! Snow can reflect 85% to 90% of the sun’s UV rays!

Type of surface —

White surfaces, like snow, reflect the sun rays back at you.

Elevation —

The higher the elevation, the greater the UV exposure.

Latitude —

UV is strongest at the equator.

Exposure Time —

The longer you are out in the sun, the more UV rays you may receive. Remember, you are exposed whenever you’re out: picnics, Saturday yard chores, spectator/sports events, and more!

What you are wearing —

exposed and unprotected skin absorbs more UV.

The UV Index and What it Means

Environment Canada’s UV Index measures the intensity of the sun’s burning UV rays. The higher the number, the stronger the sun’s rays. In Canada, the scale measures from 1 to 11, but it can reach up to 14 or higher in the southern United States and the tropics.

The daily UV Index forecast is a prediction of the maximum UV strength for the day. This peak is usually reached in the early afternoon. UV Index forecasts are widely available between April and September. Your sources include local TV and radio stations and the Environment Canada website.