WHO_newstd2

World Health Organization (WHO)

In late February 2004, the Canadian UV Index will conform to the standards set out by the World Health Organization (WHO). Information on the new WHO standard can be found in their guide called Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide.

The main change to the public, is new exposure category levels.

The WHO recommended sun protection messages.

UV Index Sun Protection Messages

UV Index	Description	Sun Protection Actions
0 - 2	Low	Minimal sun protection required for normal activity Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen Reflection of snow can nearly double UV strength. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen
3 - 5	Moderate	Take precautions - cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest
6 - 7	High	Protection required - UV damages the skin and can cause sunburn Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
8 - 10	Very High	Extra precautions required - unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
11 +	Extreme	Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen Values of 11 or more are very rare in Canada. However, the UV Index can reach 14 or more in the tropics and southern U.S. White sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure

Sun Protection Tips

The amount of UV you receive depends on both the strength of the sun's rays (measured by the UV Index) and the amount of time you spend in the sun. Reduce your time in the sun - seek shade, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from April to September.
Cover up, wear a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with long sleeves and wrap-around sunglasses or ones with side shields
Use sunscreen - with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection. Apply generously before going outside, and reapply often, especially after swimming or exercise
Listen for Environment Canada's UV Index - it's included in your local weather forecast whenever it is forecast to reach 3 (moderate) or more that day.

Further detailed changes to the Canadian UV Index program can be found on the next page.

Meteorological Service of Canada - Environment Canada - Government of Canada

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