On Monday, Singapore was exposed to "extreme" ultraviolet (UV) levels, with the highest one-hour average UV index of 15 recorded at 1pm and 2pm, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).
This extreme level was also recorded last Tuesday, and on Sept 8 and 17 last year.
While experts say these isolated incidents are not a major cause for concern, they add that precautions should be taken when staying out in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm, when sun intensity peaks and UV radiation is strongest.
National Environment Agency (NEA) data shows Singapore experiences high levels of UV radiation year round, averaging six to nine on the daily maximum UV Index. This is because of its proximity to the equator, which puts the sun directly overhead most of the year, said Dr Abel Yang, physics lecturer at the National University of Singapore.
"We receive more direct sunlight which passes through less atmosphere, which means less UV radiation gets absorbed," he said. Other factors such as the amount of cloud cover also affect radiation levels.
The UV Index - an international standard measurement of the level of UV radiation - ranges from 0 to 11+, and is grouped into various categories, from low to extreme.
Extra protection against sunburn is needed when the value hits "very high" levels of between eight and 10, and "extreme" levels of 11 and above, according to the NEA website.
Over the past two weeks, Singapore has experienced some of the highest UV Index values recorded, including 12 last Friday, 13 last Saturday and Sunday, 15 on Monday and 14 on Tuesday.
A high UV Index reading means a larger dose of UV radiation for the same amount of time spent in the sun, said Dr Koh Hong Yi, dermatology consultant at the Singapore General Hospital. This could lead to ailments such as skin cancer, pigmentation and premature ageing of the skin in the long term.
Sun protection is especially crucial for those with fair complexions, who have poorer immunity or medical conditions such as lupus that increase their sensitivity to UV, added Dr Koh.
A blanket solution would be to apply sunscreen, which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays, of at least SPF 30 every two hours.
Carrying an umbrella and wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays also cut down on UV exposure.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/uv-levels-in-singapore-hit-extreme-level
This extreme level was also recorded last Tuesday, and on Sept 8 and 17 last year.
While experts say these isolated incidents are not a major cause for concern, they add that precautions should be taken when staying out in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm, when sun intensity peaks and UV radiation is strongest.
National Environment Agency (NEA) data shows Singapore experiences high levels of UV radiation year round, averaging six to nine on the daily maximum UV Index. This is because of its proximity to the equator, which puts the sun directly overhead most of the year, said Dr Abel Yang, physics lecturer at the National University of Singapore.
"We receive more direct sunlight which passes through less atmosphere, which means less UV radiation gets absorbed," he said. Other factors such as the amount of cloud cover also affect radiation levels.
The UV Index - an international standard measurement of the level of UV radiation - ranges from 0 to 11+, and is grouped into various categories, from low to extreme.
Extra protection against sunburn is needed when the value hits "very high" levels of between eight and 10, and "extreme" levels of 11 and above, according to the NEA website.
Over the past two weeks, Singapore has experienced some of the highest UV Index values recorded, including 12 last Friday, 13 last Saturday and Sunday, 15 on Monday and 14 on Tuesday.
A high UV Index reading means a larger dose of UV radiation for the same amount of time spent in the sun, said Dr Koh Hong Yi, dermatology consultant at the Singapore General Hospital. This could lead to ailments such as skin cancer, pigmentation and premature ageing of the skin in the long term.
Sun protection is especially crucial for those with fair complexions, who have poorer immunity or medical conditions such as lupus that increase their sensitivity to UV, added Dr Koh.
A blanket solution would be to apply sunscreen, which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays, of at least SPF 30 every two hours.
Carrying an umbrella and wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays also cut down on UV exposure.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/uv-levels-in-singapore-hit-extreme-level
