Guard against UV rays, say doctors

BY INDIRA ARYAL, Kathmandu, Apr. 19: People who have easy access to the weather portal were scared to learn the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in Kathmandu on Monday as it is dangerous to the skin.

Finding the UV Index of 12 is rare and, as doctors say, it is not normal when the UV Index (UVI) crosses the limit of 8. However, there is no authentic government organisation to measure the UVI in Nepal. When asked about the issue, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) told to enquire about it from the Department of Environment (DoE), which then suggested consulting the matter with the DHM.

UV radiation is a component of sunlight that can cause tanning and sunburn in a short term. In the longer term, exposure to UV can cause cataracts and skin cancer, said Dermatologist Dr Bikash Poudel, Associate Professor at the National Medical College, Birgunj.

“The UV radiation affects many people depending on their skin types. People having fair skin have more problems than those with dark skin. UV rays are measured on a variety of scales. If it is between 0 to 3, people enjoy the warmth, 3 to 5 is believed to be moderate, 6 to 7 is high, 8 to 10 very high and 11+ is extreme,” Dr Poudel said.

To some extent, the moderate-to-very high level tells us little except that UV intensity is increasing. “The simplest advice is that when the indexes are at 8 or higher, protect your skin and use sunscreen of good brands,” Dr Poudel said.

According to Dr Poudel, people are not aware of UV protection in the country, but it is very important to raise awareness about skin protection and use sunscreen and the use of a hat or a cap while walking in the sun can go a long way in guarding against the radiation. Exposure to UV radiation for a long time can cause skin cancer, he said.

“The effect can be seen mostly in March, April and May. People should wear heavy sunscreen during these months,” he said. “It has positive results as well, as it helps develop Vitamin D in the body, but the exceeding level of UVI is harmful to the skin.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the scale of the UVI goes from zero to 11 with higher numbers signifying an increased risk of exposure, potential damage to the skin and eyes, and less time for damage to occur. 

Over the last few decades, vehicle emissions, emissions of human-made chemicals and pollution from factories, waste burning and fires have impacted the increasing UV Index, Dr Poudel said.