Attention, high UV radiation! Weather expert warns of health risk

Attention, high UV radiation! Weather expert warns of health risk

The German Weather Service (DWD) raises the alarm: Currently warns of a "very high health risk from UV radiation" in Baden-Württemberg. This could be particularly critical of Corpus Christi for people in Upper Swabia. The south along the Upper Rhine and large parts south of Stuttgart are particularly affected. Weather expert Roland Roth from the Wetterwarte Süd (WWS) in Bad Schussenried confirmed that the ozone values ​​are not unusually high for the season. In order to reduce the dangers of the UV rays, Roth recommends applying protective measures such as sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight, even if it considers the warning of the DWD to be exaggerated. [Swabian reports that…] (https://www.schwaebische.de/regional/biberach/gefaehrliche-uv-bahlung Wetter-Experte-set-echte-wahr-andswo-3678522)

In this context, it is important to understand that UV radiation not only has short-term but also long-term health effects. Even without sunburn, exposure can cause health damage compared to UV rays, including skin cancer. According to the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV), squamous cell carcinoma has been recognized as an occupational disease since 2015, and the number of recognized cases has increased to over 38,617 by 2022. Prof. Manigé Fartasch urgently warns of a steep increase in skin cancer, since the damage has often been made years before. DGUV points out that ...

Current weather conditions and climate change

The current weather conditions are determined by the high "Yvonne", which is favored by climate change. The connections are clear: higher temperatures and longer high-pressure phases lead to more intensive UV rays. Experts emphasize that a high UV index, as it can currently be observed in many regions of Germany, represents a serious risk of skin. In Germany, more than 300,000 people develop skin cancer every year, and incidence has quadrupled in men and even quintupled in women. Informed the Federal Environment Agency that ...

The drought represents another risk. Despite punctual thunderstorms with heavy rain, as in Riedlingen, where 63 liters per square meter fell, the even land rain remains out, and the water often leaves the surface superficially. Roth also pointed out that the nights are fresh and the air is dry, which may be pleasant, but also increases the risks in daily UV exposure.

recommended protective measures

Especially people who spend a lot of time outdoors are called to take their protection seriously. Because 20 percent of the daily working hours outdoors can lead to a high UV load, and children and outdoor workers are often most affected. The weather experts and health authorities therefore recommend protecting themselves proactively: apply sunscreen regularly, use protective clothing and avoid the sun as far as possible in the noon. After all, it is important to deal with the sun's rays despite the nice weather during the Pentecost holidays.