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The Solar UV Forecast

Skin Cancer Information

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.
It is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds.

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Solar Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is a known carcinogen.
It cannot be seen or felt and is the primary cause of skin cancer

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Sunburn is a reaction to UV radiation and is a clear sign that
you have seriously damaged your skin.

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Sunbeds are not safe - FACT! UV radiation from sunbeds can
cause serious and irreparable damage and cause melanoma

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Worried about Vitamin D? Know the facts and how much sun
we need to produce the required daily levels.

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Our skin is our body’s largest organ that performs a variety of
vital functions - learn how UVR affects and damages our skin

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All skin types can be damaged by UVR, but some skin types
and family history of skin cancer can mean you are more at risk

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Describing levels of solar UVR

Levels of solar UVR vary across the country on any given day.
The UV index is a rating system adopted from the World Health Organisation and provided by the MET Office in the UK.
The forecast is expressed as a 'Solar UV Index' and includes the effects of:

  • The position of the sun in the sky;
  • Forecast cloud cover.
  • Ozone amounts in the stratosphere.

Forecasters gather all this information and input it in to the easy to understand index from 1 to 11+, which determines your level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the stronger the levels of solar UVR and the less time it takes for damage to occur.

The value of the index ranges from zero upwards. The UV index has five categories:

  • Low: UV Index of 1-2
  • Moderate: UV index of 3-5
  • High: UV index of 6-7
  • Very high: UV index of 8-10
  • Extreme: UV index of 11 and above

The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against the risks of skin damage and skin cancer.
When the UV index is at 3 and above, the amount of solar UV radiation reaching the earth's surface is strong enough to damage the skin, which can lead to skin cancer. It is therefore important to frequently check the UV forecast to ensure that the appropriate precautions are taken and if necessary issue alerts to employees. You can check the UV index at any time and for any location via the homepage on this website or by visiting the Met Office website.

Remember that UVR can penetrate cloud and can be reflected off ground surfaces such as:
water, sand, glass, metal and snow. Click here to view a diagram which explains factors affecting levels of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation >

Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Look after your skin and follow
the golden rules of sun safety
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Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
LEARN MORE
Spotlight Topics

Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
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Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
MASCED.UK
MASCED.UK
National Accreditation Scheme for hair, health and beauty professionals to promote the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and save lives.
LEARN MORE

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