The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), coordinates the Plan of Preventive Actions for the Effects of Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation on Health, which establishes a series of recommendations to reduce the effects on people's health associated with ultraviolet radiation (UV) according to the different levels established in this Plan.
According to this Plan, the General Directorate of Public Health reports that according to data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), and the indicators established by this Plan, currently the risk from ultraviolet radiation in the Canary Islands is very high these days on all the islands, something unusual for this time of year. This very high risk level will be active, at least, until March 30. Therefore, it reminds that protecting yourself from the sun is a responsibility that must be maintained not only in summer, but throughout the year, even on cloudy days.
When the health risk from exposure to solar radiation reaches this threshold (very high), it is recommended to emphasize the daily use of sun protection (SPF 50 or higher), stay in shaded areas during the central hours of the day, wear wide-brimmed hats and clothing that covers arms and legs, wear suitable sunglasses and, in a very particular way, protect children from the sun.
In addition, the technicians of the General Directorate of Public Health insist that sun damage is cumulative and that excessive exposure and burns in childhood increase the risk of some types of skin cancer many years, or even decades, later. Likewise, it must be remembered that, on cloudy days, the sun's rays are also filtered through the clouds, although the sensation of heat may be less, which also happens when there is a breeze.
The Canary Islands is the region of Spain with the highest UV radiation throughout the year, according to data provided by AEMET. UV radiation is a form of radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds, and is part of the non-visible spectrum of sunlight.
Risk levels
The Plan of Preventive Actions for the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation establishes five risk levels (low, moderate, high, very high and extreme) to which a series of protection recommendations are associated for citizens according to the health risks involved in each of the levels.
On a weekly basis, the General Directorate of Public Health of the SCS issues a map of the archipelago with the level of risk according to the indicators established by AEMET.
Risks of UV radiation
The acute effects of UV radiation can be varied: DNA damage, sunburn, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions and immunosuppression, which can be considered a risk factor for cancer and lead to the reactivation of viruses, such as herpes labialis.
Overexposure to UV radiation can also cause serious health problems, including cancer: the best known is melanoma, which is basal cell or basocellular and squamous cell or spinocellular cancer. In addition, exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of eye diseases if adequate eye protection is not used.
UV radiation can also produce harmful effects in any person, but the risks increase for the population that:
• Is exposed many hours of the day to the sun (either for work or leisure reasons) or has had repeated episodes of sunburn throughout their life.
• Has fair skin, hair and eyes.
• Takes certain oral and topical medications, such as antibiotics, birth control pills and products containing benzoyl peroxide, similarly, some cosmetics could increase the sensitivity of the skin and eyes to UV radiation in all skin types.
• Has a family member with skin cancer.
• Over 50 fifty years old.
How to protect yourself from UV radiation in the face of very high risk
The General Directorate of Public Health therefore recalls the main recommendations to adequately protect yourself from UV radiation in the face of the current very high level in which the Canary Islands is located:
- Stay preferably in the shade, especially during the hours around noon, between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Never expose children under one year of age directly to the sun, as their skin is very vulnerable and they cannot use photoprotective creams.
- Wear a cap or a wide-brimmed hat that covers the face, head, ears and neck.
- Use approved sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It is important to remember that this protective cream should be administered at least every two hours and that this type of product has an expiration date.
For more information on ultraviolet radiation in Spain, you can consult this link: https://bit.ly/AEMET-radiacion
