UV Tracking App Launches on First Day of Summer to Prevent Skin and Eye Sun Damage
The SunSmart Global UV app was released on June 21 to provide localized information on ultraviolet radiation levels for preventing overexposure to the sun, a major cause of skin cancer and UV-related eye damage.
The app was jointly developed by the World Meteorological Organization, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Program and the International Labour Organization to provide a five-day UV and weather forecast.
The app was launched on the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. It includes national and local data streams to provide the most accurate information in multiple languages.
The free app highlights timeslots when sun protection is advised, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing or seeking shade.
The WMO estimates over 1.5 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed globally in 2020, with 120,000 deaths associated with the highly preventable disease.
The thinning of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer from the release of certain manmade chemicals is thought to contribute to excess UV radiation.
A UV rating greater than eight is considered very high and can cause sunburn in as little as 15 minutes.
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