What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesByJennifer ClarkePublished28 June 2024Updated 22 June 2026As a period of extreme heat is forecast across the UK this week, UV levels are expected to be high in many areas.Some exposure to UV is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.What is UV and why can it be dangerous?UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth's atmosphere.It enables our skin to produce essential vitamin D, which is important for the function of bones, blood cells and our immune system. But too much UV can be harmful.It can lead to skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells. UV also plays a substantial role in skin ageing, contributing to wrinkles and loosened folds.It has also been linked to eye problems, external, including cataracts."Every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer," says Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George's, University of London."Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK."UK's hottest May day record broken for second day in a rowPublished26 MayHow long will the heatwave last?AttributionWeatherPublished27 MayWhy temperature records are being not only broken but smashedPublished27 MayHow is UV measured and what is the UV index? Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.The highest readings are in the four-hour period around "solar noon", when the sun is at its highest - usually from late morning to early afternoon.The UV Index (or UVI) is a measure of ultraviolet radiation used around the world.Values start at zero and can rise above 10.The higher the number, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for harm to occur.What do the different UV levels mean?In the UK, the UV index would typically be around 5-6 during the summer, with a maximum of 8 only in exceptional ci...