Daylight saving is the time to be SunSmart as UV increases

Daylight saving is the time to be SunSmart as UV radiation increases

Clocks jumping forward also signals that Ultra Violet (UV) radiation is increasing and can be damaging to skin and eyes when outside from September to April. NIWA scientists started measuring UV levels in New Zealand because of concern about ozone depletion.

Atmospheric scientist Ben Liley from NIWA notes “The annual Antarctic Ozone Hole is past its worst years and is now on the mend over coming decades, but the truth is that much of New Zealand’s population will remain at high risk of melanoma independent of the recovery in ozone. This is because our peak UV intensity is up to 40% greater than at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere, we spend a lot of time outside, and many of us have fair skin.”

When UV levels are 3 or above skin and eyes need to be protected by covering up and making use of available shade.

There are three ways to check UV levels in New Zealand – NIWA’s graph-based UV forecasts, the Health Promotion Agency’s text-based Sun Protection Alert and/or download the free uv2Day app. “Our free app gives users the peak UV time and shows people how UV levels are changing throughout the day” says Dr Richard McKenzie who, with his colleague Jerry Burke, developed the app.

“We want people to know that UV changes throughout the day so they can plan their days outdoors in a safe way. The app is a must for outdoor workers including those in construction, roading, forestry, fishing and agriculture” says Richard. The steps to protect your skin and eyes are straightforward:

• slip into a collared shirt and shade
• slop on plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30
• slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• wrap on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses.

Megan Chapman, from the Health Promotion Agency also encourages New Zealanders to regularly check their skin for any changes. Regular skin checks increase the chance of finding melanoma and other skin cancers at an early stage when they are easier to treat. If you’re concerned about a change to a mole or freckle, a persistent sore or bleeding spot, or a growing bump, get it checked by your doctor.

© Scoop Media