Which UV is High?
A UV index of 8 or higher is considered high. This means there's a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Everyone should take precautions to protect their skin.
The UV index is a measure of the strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the number, the stronger the rays and the greater the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Different organizations may use slightly different scales, but the general consensus is:
- Low: 1-2
- Moderate to High: 3-7
- Very High to Extreme: 8+
Several sources confirm this categorization:
- US EPA: Classifies UV index values of 8+ as "Very High to Extreme". (https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-0)
- Cancer Research UK: States that a higher UV index means less time is needed for skin damage. (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/the-uv-index-and-sunburn-risk)
- Specific Example: A UV index of 8-9+ is explicitly called "very high" requiring everyone to protect their skin. (Source from provided text: UV 8-9+ – Very high levels. Everyone should protect their skin.)
What to do on high UV days (8+):
- Seek shade, especially during midday.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Limit your time in the sun.
