Health Effects of UV Radiation

A little UV ultraviolet (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun is good for health. We often feel happier when the sun shines and spend more time outdoors. When we are outside, we move more, which helps prevent chronic diseases. The body also produces vitamin D in the sun, which is necessary for healthy bones and muscles. Too much UV radiation is not good. The skin ages faster and can burn. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer and can contribute to cataracts. 

Protect Yourself and Your Children: Wear Clothes and Apply Sunscreen!

From now until September, the sun is again a factor to consider. Therefore, protect yourself from the sun in the coming six months to prevent burning. Pay extra attention to protecting children from UV radiation. Children have more sensitive skin than adults, and their skin needs to last a long time.

• Starting from sun strength 3, RIVM advises caution. Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 12:00 and 15:00 when the sun strength is 5 or higher. The current sun strength can be found on the RIVM website. The sun strength forecast (external link) for the coming week can be found on the website of the KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute).
• Keep children under 2 years out of direct sunlight.
• Cover the skin with (UV-resistant) clothing and wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear sunglasses with UV filters.
• Regularly apply sunscreen to uncovered skin. Use at least SPF 30 with a strong UVA filter and reapply every two hours, even if you are in the shade.   

Sun Strength Measurements

Because UV radiation has effects on health, RIVM measures the UV radiation from the sun approximately every 10 minutes. Based on this, the sun strength is calculated. This is done in a few internationally agreed steps.