In partnership with
........ A map of the Canadian UV Index
forecasts and observations.
Thank you for visiting the UV Index and sun protection website. This website is dedicated to providing information and activities on UV radiation to help teachers educate students of its affect on our health and environment. Our goal is to help youth become aware of their environment so that they can make informed decisions to protect their health and environment, and to build awareness through hands on activities.
The UV Index Sun Awareness Program is aimed at students to teach them about the UV Index and how to use it as a tool to minimize the risk to their health from solar ultraviolet radiation. It also provides education resources for students and teachers.
In February 2004, the Canadian UV Index was changed to conform with the new standards of the World Health Organization. To see what this means, click here.
Looking to receive the UV Index Sun Awareness kit. Register here!
Information on UV radiation, ozone depletion, UV Index and sun protection behaviour is available here. All our UV guides, posters and brochures are also available.
Need a presentation on UV or ozone for your class or a short movie to explain why UV has increase in our World. Need a definition or a scientific paper? Check here.
Students learn best through activities. Here are a few examples:
The UV Index is observed at 12 Environment Canada stations across Canada. Students are also entering their data. Find out where and how it is done!
UV and ozone data is analyzed, contoured and displayed on maps. This is an easy way to understand a large amount of data.
The Meteorological Service of Canada produces UV Index forecasts for 48 locations in Canada and a bulletin for the Caribbean. The maps and bulletins are available here.
For over twenty years, the World community has been taking action to reverse the damage to the ozone layer. It will take 50 to 100 years, however, until we will see a recovery in the ozone layer. Until that time we have to live with increased ultraviolet radiation and adapt. To do this we have to learn all about the possible affects of UV radiation and the ozone layer then take actions to protect ourselves. Here is the science behind the issue.
The Children's UV Index Program
Exposure to UV radiation can lead to an increase risk in skin cancers, cataracts and to a weakening of the immune system. Learn how to protect your self through finding shade, using clothing, or applying sunscreens.
Have you been observing the UV Index in your environment? Enter your data here to compare with other schools in Canada or to compare it against climatology.
The Green LaneTM,
Environment Canada's World Wide Web Site.