No one is completely safe from the sun. In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. The risk of skin cancer today is greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to increase.
We are exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) rays as the protective layer of ozone around the earth becomes thinner due to the effects of pollution and chemicals.
There are 3 types of UV rays
- Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) make up most of the sun’s natural light. They can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and aging.
- Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) are the main cause of sunburns. They are nearly 1000 times stronger than UVA rays.
- Ultraviolet C rays (short-wave radiation) never reach the earth’s surface because the atmosphere filters them out.
UV rays can get through clouds, fog and haze. Water, sand, concrete and especially snow can reflect, and even increase, the sun’s rays. You have a higher risk of skin cancer if you:
- have light-coloured skin, eyes and hair
- work, play or exercise in the sun for long periods of time
- had several blistering sunburns as a child
- take drugs that make you more sensitive to UV light
Reduce your risk of skin cancer by using SunSense and talk to your doctor about any changes to your skin.
UV Index
Environment Canada’s UV Index is a useful tool when it comes to sun protection. It tells you the strength of the sun’s daily UV rays – the higher the number, the stronger the sun’s rays and the more important it is to protect yourself.
0–2 Low
- Minimal sun protection required for normal activity.
- If you’re outside for more than one hour, wear sunglasses, cover up, use sunscreen.
- Reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength, so wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen on your face.
3–5 Moderate
- Take precautions – cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – especially if you’re outside for 30 minutes or more.
- Look for shade around midday.
6–7 High
- You need protection – find shade, get out the sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and cover up. Unprotected skin can be damaged and burn quickly.
- Try and stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
8–10 Very high
- Extra precautions required – find shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
- If you can, avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
11+ Extreme
- This is very rare in Canada. Maximum protection is required.
- Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Stay in the shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen because white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure.
- Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes.
