Less UV risk as a result of recovery of ozone layer?

The first messengers of spring have arrived, the sun is inviting – but reports about the ozone layer having recovered, thus resulting in a decrease of skin cancer caused by UV radiation, should not let us jump at the conclusion that the risk of sunburn is reduced. Especially now in the springtime, when the skin has not yet adapted to the sun, it is essential to use the right sun protection. Effective protection can be gained with little effort – such as proper clothing and sunscreen.

Investigations in Canada, Europe and Japan have shown that the ozone layer is slightly recovering in some regions. However, that has no measurable influence on the level of UV radiation in Germany. Measurements carried out jointly by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, the Federal Environment Agency, the German Meteorological Service and other institutions do not show clearly that the so-called UV-index is reducing. The UV index is an internationally determined standard measure for the sunburn effectiveness of UV radiation. The higher the UV index, the higher is also the risk of immediate health effects such as sunburn and long-term effects such as skin cancer.

People wanting to enjoy staying in the sun and not wanting to regret it later on should therefore carry on observing the key sun rules:

• Clothing: Comfortable, baggy clothes protect better than sunscreen. Together with a hat for head and face this is the best protection.
• Wear sunglasses. Glasses: 100 per cent UV protection or UV 400.
• Apply sunscreen with high protection factor to all uncovered bare skin.
• Avoid the sun around noon.
• Protect children with particular care. Infants should not be exposed to the sun at all.

Those who wish to get more detailed information will find the sun rules

• On the internet and
• In the info flyer "Sun – but safely".