Abstract
The ultraviolet (UV) index is an international standard indicating the intensity of solar radiation at a given place and time with respect to the risk of sunburn. The World Health Organization recommends utilizing sun protection including wide brim hats, sunglasses and sunscreens with SPF of at least 30 when UV index values are moderate (UV index levels of 3-5). Extra protection and greater awareness of high sunburn risk are urged for very high and extreme levels of UV exposure, when the UV index is 8 or above. At this UV index level, a typical individual may sunburn in less than 20 minutes. Using archived data from the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, we investigated the number of very high UV index days for numerous metropolitan areas across the US to determine how the intensity of solar exposure has changed over a 20-year period (1997-2017). Overall, the number of very high UV index days was observed to increase across all evaluated cities. Most striking were the significant increases in areas with moderate annual UV levels such as Boston in and Seattle. However, the number of high UV index days increased even in areas with average UV exposure such as the desert southwest. While there are numerous factors that contribute to the intensity of solar radiation at a specific location, this data indicates that Americans currently face a greater annual risk of solar overexposure and the resulting short and long-term negative skin health outcomes.
Published Version
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