While a lot of Australians know the danger of too much sun, many still think that it’s heat that causes sunburn and skin damage.
The truth is, it’s UV that causes the damage, and unlike heat, UV can’t be felt.
It doesn’t have to be a warm day for UV to reach dangerous levels either. The UV Index can be used to let you know when to protect yourself and your family from UV radiation.
To protect yourself throughout the day, make sure to regularly check the UV index by downloading and using the SunSmart Global UV app. It’s also important to protect yourself by making sunscreen part of your morning routine, swapping your cap for a hat with a wide brim, wearing long sleeves and sunglasses, and always staying in the shade where possible.
Checking the UV Index helps you know when protect your skin from the sun. It tells you the time of day you need to be SunSmart (when the UV is 3 or above) and also what the maximum UV level will be for the day. This normally happens around the middle of the day, when the sun is at its most intense. At this time, skin damage can happen very quickly.
UV increases through the morning
Be SunSmart at UV 3 or above
When the UV reaches 8 shade is a priority
Fair skin burns rapidly at this level
UV radiation peaks at solar noon
This is when the sun is at it’s highest
UV starts to decrease after solar noon
Stay protected until UV is below 3
Below UV 3 no sun protection is needed
At this level fair skin is unlikely to burn
The SunSmart Global UV app provides reliable at-a-glance real-time and forecast UV levels for locations across Australia and the world.
Slip on sun protective clothing
Slop on SPF30 or higher sunscreen
Slap on a sun protective hat
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses
There are two sides of the sun – the fun and nurturing side, and the dangerous side. We need your help to spread awareness of the danger of the sun when the UV hits 3 or above.
You can help us by downloading this toolkit featuring important information and campaign assets which can be used to spread this important message.
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ECU Mount Lawley
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Roleystone Community College (Oval)
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Thornlie Senior High School
Wembley Primary School
Brookvale Childrens Centre
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Roundhouse Childrens Centre
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Manly Community Pre School
Killarney Vale Pre School