The Ministry of Health has issued a warning on the health effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during the time of high UV index and ways to prevent it. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause effects such as sunburn, skin darkening or hyperpigmentation, and over time can lead to cataracts, premature skin ageing, weakened immune systems, and skin cancer.
Therefore, it is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight as far as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their highest, and to wear protective clothing such as a hat or a protective umbrella that does not easily penetrate UV rays to protect your face, neck, and shoulders from direct sunlight.
As UV rays can also damage the eyes, wear sunglasses that block 99 per cent of UV rays, apply a thick layer of Thanaka or sunscreen to exposed areas such as the arms, neck, and shoulders 15 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every 2 hours. In addition, children and the elderly need to be especially careful because they are more susceptible to UV rays. It is also important to avoid exposing children under one year of age to the sun and to only let them play in shady places.
