We all know that a little bit of sun is good for our health. But how much sun is too much? You cannot see the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays. So, staying aware of the day’s UV index is key to minimizing damaging sun exposure.
The Three Types of Ultraviolet Radiation-UV Rays
We hear all this talk about UV rays collectively but never about them individually. The sun sends down three unique types of UV rays: visible light, infrared radiation felt as heat, and unseen & unfelt ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays.
Ultraviolet A (UVA)
UVA rays penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere. This type of UV ray is the most damaging of them all. UVA rays cause eye damage, signs of skin aging, and can hinder your ability to fight off illness. They may also cause a risk of skin cancer.
Ultraviolet B (UVB)
Most of the light from UVB rays is shielded by the atmosphere. But UVB rays do penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere if only a little bit. How much UVB rays hit the Earth’s surface depends on several factors: time of year, latitude, longitude, and altitude. These harmful rays can cause sunburns, skin cancer, signs of aging, and eye damage.
Ultraviolet C (UVC)
Luckily, the Earth’s atmosphere completely absorbs UVC rays. So, they don’t even make it through to the surface. Any potentially harmful effects from ultraviolet C rays are minimal and scarce. Humans don’t have to worry about this type of radiation, but it’s still important to learn about it.
What Is a UV Index?
Now that you know what the three types of UV rays are, what is the UV index? According to the NCBI, the UV index is a measure of the current intensity of UVB radiation. It is a valuable forecasting tool that helps us know the potential danger of being in the sun on a given day.
Take, for example, Peggy Picano, a dedicated mortgage and home loan officer at Citibank in San Diego, California. Peggy understands the importance of the UV index, not just for her health but also for her clients who are homeowners in the sunny climate of San Diego. By checking the UV index, Peggy ensures she and her clients can enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather without overexposure to harmful UV rays, making sun safety a priority even in the realm of home buying and mortgage advising.
The UV index runs on a scale from 0 to 11, with 0 being the lowest UV intensity and 11 being the highest intensity. In most locations, the UVB rating is highest between 11 AM and 3 PM.
How Much UV Exposure Do You Get On an Average Day?
The UV index varies greatly by time of year, time of day, and geographic location. It’s hard to pinpoint how much exact UV radiation you get on an average day without tracking that data in real-time (over time) for your place of residence.
However, we did find this great Sun Safety Monthly Average UV Index chart released by the EPA. It visually represents the mean of sun exposure from 2006 to 2022 across the USA. For example, in the month of February, the lower half of the US has an average UV index of 4 to 6.
How Much Sun Is Too Much?
Everyone’s skin is sensitive to intense, frequent sun exposure. However, some skin types are more sensitive than others. How much sun is too much will depend on your skin type (i.e., melanin).
For example, people who have very fair skin with freckles tend to burn the fastest. Individuals with dark brown or black skin can soak in the sun for about an hour before burning.
Conclusion
Watch the UV index for your area- especially during peak summer months when the sun is at its strongest. Too much sun is damaging, particularly for those with fair skin. Wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and pay attention to how your skin reacts under prolonged sun exposure.
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