UV protection in focus: Latest UV index board installed in the high-altitude swimming pool!

UV protection in focus: Latest UV index board installed in the high-altitude swimming pool!

As of today, there is a new feature in the picturesque high-altitude swimming pool in Gößweinstein that is intended to promote the safety and health of bathers: a UV index board now provides daily information about the current UV index and appropriate sun protection measures. A clear color scale shows the UV values ​​from 1 (weak) to 11+ (extreme) and provides clear recommendations for behavior. This reports Wiesentbote.

What many people don't know: UV radiation is often underestimated, which increases the risk of skin cancer. A warning about this is issued by the warning system "WATCH OUT AT THE BEACH", which was launched in cooperation between the German Cancer Aid and the ADP. In addition to the high-altitude swimming pool in Gößweinstein, similar UV index boards will soon be set up in the outdoor pools in Ebermannstadt and Forchheim as well as in various locations in Franconian Switzerland in order to further educate the public about the dangers of UV radiation.

But why are we talking about UV radiation? Quite simply: climate change is a constant factor that leads to longer sunny and less cloudy days. The Federal Environment Agency reports that UV radiation is one of the main triggers for skin cancer. In Germany, over 300,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer has quadrupled in the last 30 years. Children and people who work outdoors are particularly affected, which is exacerbated by rising UV levels and our changing weather conditions. A look at the current data shows that almost half of the year in Germany, sunburn-effective UV radiation levels are reached, which make sun protection necessary ( Federal Environment Agency ).

Risks of UV exposure

The dangers of UV radiation are varied: Long-term exposure can lead to skin cancer, even without sunburn. What is outstanding is the recognition of “squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratoses of the skin caused by natural UV radiation” as an occupational disease since 2015. In Germany alone, over 38,617 cases of this occupational disease have been recognized by 2022. The professional associations and companies have a responsibility to protect their employees, especially those who are exposed to direct UV radiation on a daily basis ( DGUV ).

Close monitoring of UV exposure is also important, as even 20 percent of daily work time outdoors can lead to high UV exposure. The GENESIS-UV research project has been collecting relevant measurement data since 2014 in order to develop preventative measures and make citizens more aware of UV risks.

Protective measures and recommendations

When it comes to dealing with UV radiation properly, there are a few simple but effective measures to consider: Avoid direct sunlight, seek shady places and wear hats and sunglasses. Using sunscreen and wearing light, airy clothing should be part of your daily routine. Those interested can find information about UV protection for children and adults on the Cancer Aid website.

Given these developments, setting up UV index boards is an important step in raising awareness of the dangers of UV radiation and protecting the health of young and old. The initiatives in Gößweinstein, Ebermannstadt and Forchheim are just the beginning. Let's help use them together - because a little mindfulness can make a big difference!