Public health officials raise sunburn warning after unusually high measurements of UV radiation

Public Health England (PHE), the body who work with national and local government, industry and the NHS to protect and improve the nation's health and support healthier choices, have warned of an increased health risk from the spring sunshine. This comes after measurements of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at sites across the UK revealed unusually high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

PHE report: "When UV levels are high there is a greater potential for those in direct sunlight to suffer sunburn, which can increase an individual’s lifetime skin cancer risk.

"At present levels of UV being measured by staff at PHE’s 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."

“Seeing UV at these levels at this time of year is unusual especially after so cold a spring so it’s important that people consider what steps they can take to minimise their risk of burning,” said PHE’s Dr John O’Hagan.

“Of course we all enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine and it’s important that people do carry on enjoying the warm weather, we just don’t want people to suffer from the unusually high UV levels we’re observing.

“It’s 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.”

To find out more about UV visit PHE’s UV radiation Frequently Asked Questions page and the ultraviolet radiation page

or see Cancer Research UK’s Sunsmart