Public Health and the Meteorology Departments from Guernsey and Jersey are working together to emphasise the importance of keeping safe in the sun by explaining what Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is and how over exposure could lead to skin cancer.

Guernsey residents are more at risk to skin damage than those in other parts of the British Isles due to our high levels of UV and outdoor lifestyle. UV levels can be just as high in April as they are in August, so it is important to protect our skin early in the year.

Paul Aked, Head of Meteorology at the Jersey Met Office, said: “UV is part of the energy that comes from the sun. The rays are invisible to the human eye, but there are two types that reach the ground, UVA and UVB.

“The sun is highest in the sky close to the summer solstice in June, and the higher the sun is in the sky, the shorter the sun’s rays’ route to the ground and the higher the UV levels. With April and August sitting either side of the solstice, levels can be very similar during those months. The amount of ozone in the stratosphere also plays a part, there can be ‘holes’ or thinner patches of ozone above us at any time that will allow more UV through.

“Daily, the highest levels are typically recorded between 11am and 3pm, but the weather and cloud cover play a part, however UV can still get through some cloud, so it’s not just about the cloudless days. Sand and water are also good reflectors which increase exposure too.

“UV levels are measured on a scale known as the Ultraviolet Index (UVI), which describes the level recorded in numbered bands. Jersey Met has a UVI sensor that reports the UVI ‘live’, which will be very similar across the Islands. Channel Islanders can find out the current UVI reading by visiting live weather observations at gov.je/weather/liveweatherobservations/. Locally based forecasts also include a forecast maximum daily UVI for the island.”

Di Mathews, Public Health Strategic Screening Lead, said: “The weather is a popular topic of conversation, but it is also an important one because ultraviolet radiation can affect our skin; both UVA and UVB can be harmful, UVA damages the skin, causing aging and, along with UVB causes sunburn which together increase the risk of skin cancer. Different skin tones are affected at slightly different UVI levels, but generally once the UVI level reaches above 3 everyone should be taking precautions. It’s a serious health concern because people who have had sunburn are more likely to get skin cancer than those who have not been sunburned and the risk is higher If people get sunburnt several times in their life.

“Skin cancer rates in Guernsey and Jersey are very high, higher than the South of England, so understanding UV and the UVI is very important. The more we understand about UV, the more likely we are to know when to take action to protect our skin from sunburn.

“Our recent Wellbeing Survey showed that nearly half of Guernsey residents had at least one episode of sunburn in the last year. The figure was more concerning for younger people (aged 16-24 years) where 73% reported having been sunburnt in the previous year. We know that more episodes of sunburn increase cancer risk so if people are burning from a young age, it is likely that the number of episodes of sunburn over a lifetime will also increase.

“We are very grateful to be working with the Jersey and Guernsey Met to spread the word about UV so that people can be prepared and protect their skin from these harmful rays which will hopefully mean fewer people suffer from sunburn in the

future.

The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to cover up with loose fitting

clothing, wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, stay inside (or at least find shade

when UV is strongest between 11am and 3pm) and use a suncream of factor 30 or

above.”

More information about protecting your skin can be found at: gov.gg/healthyliving