| UV index | Media graphic color | Risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, for the average adult | Recommended protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Green | "Low" | A UV index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen. Bright surfaces, [1] sand, water, and snow, [2] will increase UV exposure. |
| 3–5 | Yellow | "Moderate" | A UV index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest. If outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 6–7 | Orange | "High" | A UV index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against skin and eye damage is needed.
Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 8–10 | Red | "Very high" | A UV index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly.
Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 11+ | Violet | "Extreme" | A UV index reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.
Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
Template documentation | This template's documentation is missing, inadequate, or does not accurately describe its functionality and/or the parameters in its code. Please help to expand and improve it. |
- ^ Dresbach, Sereana Howard & Brown, Wanda (2008). "Ultraviolet Radiation" (PDF). The Invisible Environment Fact Sheet Series. The Ohio State University. CDFS-199-08. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2009.
- ^ Organization, World Meteorological (2002). Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. World Health Organization. hdl: 10665/42459. ISBN 978-92-4-159007-5.
| UV index | Media graphic color | Risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, for the average adult | Recommended protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Green | "Low" | A UV index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen. Bright surfaces, [1] sand, water, and snow, [2] will increase UV exposure. |
| 3–5 | Yellow | "Moderate" | A UV index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest. If outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 6–7 | Orange | "High" | A UV index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against skin and eye damage is needed.
Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 8–10 | Red | "Very high" | A UV index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly.
Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
| 11+ | Violet | "Extreme" | A UV index reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.
Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1.5 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Bright surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, will increase UV exposure. |
Template documentation | This template's documentation is missing, inadequate, or does not accurately describe its functionality and/or the parameters in its code. Please help to expand and improve it. |
- ^ Dresbach, Sereana Howard & Brown, Wanda (2008). "Ultraviolet Radiation" (PDF). The Invisible Environment Fact Sheet Series. The Ohio State University. CDFS-199-08. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2009.
- ^ Organization, World Meteorological (2002). Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. World Health Organization. hdl: 10665/42459. ISBN 978-92-4-159007-5.