Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation can be damaging to your life in ways you haven’t considered. It’s an unseen risk we all need to monitor. Let's examine four risks associated with UV exposure.
1. Skin Damage:
Prolonged exposure to UV is the main cause of skin cancer. With a UV monitor at your home, you can keep your family protected by identifying what the current conditions are and following EPA guidelines for UV Exposure. Try setting up UV alerts in My AcuRite to monitor conditions and it will tell you the recommended steps to take. It is recommended to use sunscreen even when the UV index is Low.
2. Eye Damage:
UV exposure can cause a number of eye issues. For example, a corneal sunburn or photokeratitis, can occur when our eyes receive high intensity UV-A and UV-B rays during outdoor activities such as skiing or a long day at the beach, due to high reflectivity off the snow and sand! It is recommended to use sunglasses with protection against UV-A and UV-B even when the UV index is Low.
3. Garden Health:
Some plants and crops require full sun while others require mostly shady environments. Understand how the sun reaches various parts of your garden at different times of the day and at various times of the year with your own UV sensor. The more you understand the shifting light patterns, the better you can plan the layout of your garden and yard.
4. Plan Your Day:
Check the UV reading on My AcuRite before heading outdoors. Set alerts for UV levels and use the guidelines to plan accordingly with sunscreen or even SPF clothing to reduce the amount of sunscreen applications. Use shade shelters or shade umbrellas if headed to the beach, or bring a hat if you’re going out for a run or hike.