Current Tanning Index : Belmar, NJ Jesey Shore Weather

Current Tanning Index:

How to avoid sunburn

The best protection against ultraviolet radiation is to stay out of the sun. But no one wants to stay indoors all the time. The best time to enjoy the sun, especially in tropical locations or places near the tropics, is before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. local time.

Anyone who lives outside the world's tropical or semi-tropical regions should be especially careful when traveling to the tropics. The sun is always higher in the sky there than in places farther north or south.

Clouds do not screen out all UV radiation. Also, sand, snow and water reflect UV radiation, which means being in the shade under a beach umbrella does not provide complete protection. Wearing a hat with a wide brim is a good idea to protect the eyes, ears and neck. Most clothing, except white, reflects or absorbs the radiation, but wet cotton, no matter what color, can let a large amount through.

Sunglasses that block UV rays are vital to protect the eyes from the sun. Eye doctors can test eyewear for ultraviolet protection.

Using U.S. forecasts of UV

The U.S. National Weather Service produces daily forecasts of UV levels based on the exposure levels in the table below. "Time to burn" and "actions" apply to people with a Type II, fair skin that sometimes tans and usually burns. People with lighter skin need to be more cautious. People with darker skin may be able to tolerate more exposure. But even dark skin can burn.

Level      Time to burn   Actions to take at noon
Minimal    60 minutes     Apply SPF sunscreen
Low        45 minutes     Apply SPF sunscreen, wear a hat.
Moderate 30 minutes     Apply SPF 15, wear a hat
High       15-24 minutes  Apply SPF 15 to 30 sunscreen, wear
                          a hat and sunglasses. Limit midday exposure.
Very High  10 minutes     Apply SPF 30 sunscreen. Wear a hat, 
                          Sunglasses, and protective clothing.

Information from the EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a Web Page with links to several documents with a great deal of in-depth information about UV and the UV Index.

Other EPA sites include: