What is solar UV radiation and why you need to know about it…?
First published June 2017; updated June 2021 What is solar ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the three major components of sunlight, which include visible light and infrared (heat). It is divided into three categories, classified according to wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer blocks all UVC and most (90% or […]
Confused about the UV Index?
First published June 2017; updated June 2021 What is solar ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a component of sunlight. The two types of UV that we need to be concerned about are UVA and UVB. What is the UV index? The UV index is a scale that was developed by the World Health Organisation […]
Protecting your family while out in the sunshine
First published in June 2017, updated June 2021 Playing and spending time outdoors is such an important part of childhood but it is crucial that children are protected and safe in the sun. Increased vulnerability Compared with adults, children’s skin is much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Young children’s […]
Clouds, water, glass: surprising things that solar UV can pass through
First published June 2017 Do you know that over 90% of UV can pass through light cloud, at half a metre depth under water UV is still 40% as intense as at the surface, and some UV can pass through glass! We’re all becoming more aware of the importance of protecting ourselves against overexposure to […]
Seasonal UV Changes and Protecting Our Skin
Knowing a little bit about Earth’s relationship with the Sun allows us to understand how the intensity of the Sun’s rays can change during the year, and the importance of protecting our skin. What causes the change in seasons? Earth revolves around the Sun, taking a year to complete one orbit. But as it does […]
Video – Dispelling Sun Protection Myths & Misconceptions
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our movements have been restricted and 2020 has become the year of the balcony, back garden and staycation for many of us. While spending time outdoors is important for our own and our family’s physical and mental well-being, it is equally important to enjoy the sun safely and […]
New Report Documents Sunburn, SunSmart Behaviours and Sunbed Use by Children in Ireland for the First Time
A new report titled, Children’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation – a risk profile for future skin cancers in Ireland, which was published on June 17th 2020, presents findings on children’s exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds, UV skin protection behaviours, and sunburn. High-risk groups: children and young people The report was […]
Protect your child against sun damage!
Playing and spending time outdoors is a really important part of childhood, but it is crucial that children are protected and safe while having fun in the sun. Childhood: a critical time Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed each year and the number of cases […]
