Detailed Sun Protection Actions
Environment Canada developed the UV Index to inform Canadians about the
strength of the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays. UV rays can cause sunburns,
eye cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer. The higher the UV Index number,
the stronger the sun's rays, and the greater the need to take precautions.
The table below outlines the sun protection actions recommended at different
levels of the UV Index.
Sun Protection Tips
UV Index Sun Protection
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 off snow can nearly double UV strenght. 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 |
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Back to table
Created :
2002-02-13
Modified :
2004-03-01
Reviewed :
2004-03-01
Url of this page : http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca /topics/uv/present_detail_table_e.html
The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web Site.
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