UV index
The UV index forecasts the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) light for any given day. The index helps people know what precautions to take to avoid sunburn or other skin damage from being in the sun too long.
The UV index is listed on the weather page of many daily newspapers. Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, should always be taken when the UV index is 5 or above. The UV index is measured on a scale of 0 to 10+.
- 0 to 2: Minimal exposure to UV rays is expected for that day. Most people can stay in the sun for up to 1 hour during the hours of the day when the sun's rays are strongest, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 3 to 4: Low exposure is expected for that day. Fair-skinned people may sunburn in less than 20 minutes of sun exposure.
- 5 to 6: Moderate exposure is expected for that day. Fair-skinned people may sunburn in less than 15 minutes of sun exposure.
- 7 to 9: High exposure is expected for that day. Fair-skinned people may sunburn in less than 10 minutes of sun exposure.
- 10+: Very high exposure is expected for that day. Fair-skinned people may sunburn in less than 5 minutes of sun exposure.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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