Prevent harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and heat

June 11, 2023 11:18

On June 11, most provinces and cities across the country had UV indexes at high to very high risk levels (5.9 - 9.5); Ho Chi Minh City alone had an average risk level (3.6 - 5.4).

Chú thích ảnh — *Traffic participants must cover up carefully when moving on the road.*

Specifically, from 11:00 to 13:00 on June 11, the UV index in cities was at a very high risk level including:TPHa Long (Quang Ninh) 8.3; Hai Phong City 9.2; Hanoi Capital 9.5;TPHue (Thua Thien-Hue) 7.9;TPDanang 8.0;TPHoi An (Quang Nam) 9.0;TPNha Trang (Khanh Hoa) 7.9;TPCan Tho 7.7;TPCa Mau (Ca Mau) 9.3.

It is forecasted that from June 12-14, the maximum UV index will continue to remain at a high to very high risk level (6.0 - 10.0) nationwide.

The UV index scale states that 2.5-5.4 is average, 5.5-7.4 is high, and 7.5-10.4 is very high. At very high levels, UV rays can cause skin burns if exposed directly for 25 minutes continuously. An index of 10.5 or higher is extremely high, very dangerous, causing the risk of skin damage and eye burns if exposed to sunlight for about 15 minutes without protection.

On June 11, the maximum heat index (HI) in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh provinces was at 41-54, a dangerous level. At this index level, people are very likely to suffer from heatstroke and heat exhaustion; heat stroke can occur if exposed or physically active for a long time in hot weather.

In addition, Da Nang City (including Hoang Sa),TPQuy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Ho Chi Minh City,TPPhu Quoc (Kien Giang) and Truong Sa archipelago (Khanh Hoa) have maximum heat indexes of 32-41, which are in the special caution level. At this temperature, people are likely to suffer from cramps or heat exhaustion when exposed to hot weather or prolonged physical activity.

The heat index is an index that combines the temperature and relative humidity of air in shaded areas to assign an equivalent temperature as perceived by humans.

A maximum heat index below 27 is safe; 27-32 is at the caution level, which can cause fatigue if exposed to heat or prolonged physical activity; 32-41 is at the special caution level, which can cause cramps or heat exhaustion when exposed to heat outdoors or prolonged physical activity. A maximum heat index of 41-54 is dangerous, people are likely to get heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke if exposed to heat or prolonged physical activity. A maximum heat index above 54 is extremely dangerous, people are very susceptible to heatstroke and heat stroke outdoors.

To prevent the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and heat shock, people working outdoors need to wear sun protection equipment such as protective clothing, hats, goggles, etc.; always ensure enough water for the body.

According to VNA