Spring sun advice from Public Health England
PHE has raised a sunburn warning after measurements of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at sites across the UK revealed unusually high levels.
Sunshine
When UV levels are high there is a greater potential for those in direct sunlight to suffer sunburn, which can increase an individual鈥檚 lifetime skin cancer risk.
At present levels of UV being measured by staff at PHE鈥檚 Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Radiation (CRCE), are higher than that which is normally seen at this time of year.
PHE is advising people to minimise their sun exposure when the sun is likely to be at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm. For those outdoors for long periods of the day, use shade, clothing and sunscreen to reduce exposure.
鈥沦别别颈苍驳 UV at these levels at this time of year is unusual especially after so cold a spring so it鈥檚 important that people consider what steps they can take to minimise their risk of burning,鈥� said PHE鈥檚 Dr John O鈥橦agan.
鈥淥f course we all enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine and it鈥檚 important that people do carry on enjoying the warm weather, we just don鈥檛 want people to suffer from the unusually high UV levels we鈥檙e observing.
鈥淚t鈥檚 also worth remembering that cloud cover does not protect against UV so even those in places where clouds are blocking the sun should consider what they can do to avoid getting burned.鈥�
To find out more about UV visit PHE鈥檚 UV radiation Frequently Asked Questions page and the ultraviolet radiation page
or see