Myths about protection against UV radiation

Although most people are aware of the need to take protective actions against sunburn, there are some common misconceptions about UV radiation and the ways of protection:

Myth 1: Darker sunglasses offer more protection from UV radiation
The most important thing to look for in sunglasses is how much UV radiation they filter out.  It should be noted that there is no relationship between the colour of sunglasses and their UV filtering action.  When one wears sunglasses the pupil widens as there is less light reaching the eye.  If the sunglasses have poor UV protection, the amount of UV radiation getting into the eyes may even be greater than not wearing sunglasses at all.  For adequate protection, one should wear sunglasses that are able to block at least 98% of the UV radiation.

Myth 2: You can't get sunburn on a cloudy day
You do get sunburned on a cloudy day, that is of course, if you are engaged in outdoor activities but not properly protected against ultraviolet radiation (UV).  It is true that on a cloudy day, you won't get as much exposed to UV from direct sunlight as when it is a clear sunny day.  However, sunlight, including UV, are scattered by gases in the atmosphere, as well as by clouds, dust, haze and even fog. Up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate thin cloud cover.  There are also occasions when broken clouds enhance UV radiation by reflection from their sides.
Therefore, in case of doubt, it is advisable to check the latest UV index through radio, television, the Observatory's website and Dial-a-Weather system (1878200).

Myth 3: You can't get sunburn while in the water
Water offers only minimal protection from UV radiation.  At half a metre under water, the UV radiation level is still 40% as intense as at the surface.  Also, the part of body above water is additionally exposed to ultraviolet rays reflected from the water surface.

Myth 4: Sunscreen lotion protects me so I can sunbathe much longer
Sunscreen lotion should not be used to increase sun exposure time but to increase protection during unavoidable exposure. The protection provided by sunscreen lotion depends critically on their correct application.  For more about sunscreen lotion and sunburn protection, please check out "Sunburn and SPF".

Myth 5: If you take regular breaks during sunbathing you won't get sunburn
UV radiation exposure is cumulative.  The total health damage you get will be the sum of the effect of individual exposure.  Therefore, to protect yourself the objective is to reduce exposure to UV radiation as far as practicable. This could decrease the chance of skin cancer.

Myth 6: If you don't feel the hot rays of the sun you won't get sunburn
Sunburn is caused by UV radiation which cannot be felt.  The heating effect is caused by the sun's infrared radiation and not by UV radiation.  Therefore, even if you don't feel the warmth, you may also get sunburn.

Human exposure to UV radiation may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye and immune system. So please be aware to take protective actions against sunburn.

(For more details, please click here to read the article written by Hong Kong Observatory)

(Information provided by Hong Kong Observatory)