The UV Index and Sunburn
Chapter 29: Skin, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one source of energy from the sun. UV rays are the rays that cause sunburns, cataracts, and skin cancer. There are many different factors that affect the amount of UV radiation you are exposed to. These include the time of day, the season, the weather conditions, and your location. Recently, the National Weather Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control agreed upon a national UV Index. The UV Index is issued daily to advise you of conditions in your region of the country. Use the information in the chart below, as well as what youšve learned in the chapter to answer the questions that follow.

UV Index Level	How to Protect Yourself	Minutes to Burn
Minimal (0-2)	Wear sunglasses Apply sunscreen	60
Low (3-4)	Wear sunglasses Apply sunscreen	45
Moderate (5-6)	Wear sunglasses Apply sunscreen Wear a hat	30
High (7-10)	Wear sunglasses Apply sunscreen Wear a hat Stay in shade	15
Very High (11-15)	Wear sunglasses Apply sunscreen Wear a hat Stay in shade Stay inside between the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM	10

Analyze the Information

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1. What are the recommended actions for a very high UV index level? Explain the reasons behind these actions.
2. Why do you think applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses are always recommended?
3. Describe the trend in time it takes to burn from a minimal UV index level to a very high UV index level.
4. In which parts of the country would you expect to find high and very high UV index levels on a more frequent basis? Why?

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