The Sun Index explained:

Index White skin that burns easily and tends not to tan White skin than tans easily Brown skin Black skin
1/2 Low Risk Low Risk Low Risk Low Risk
3/4 Medium Risk Low Risk Low Risk Low Risk
5 High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Low Risk
6 High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk Low Risk
7 Very High Risk High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
8 Very High Risk High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
9 Very High Risk High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
10 Very High Risk High Risk High Risk Medium Risk

What do these risks mean?

  • Low risk means that there is nothing to worry about - the sun will not harm you.
  • Medium risk means that the sun is not dangerous, but you should avoid being in direct sunlight for more than 1 to 2 hours.
  • High risk means you could burn in 30 to 60 minutes. Try to keep out of direct sunlight, cover up or wear a sunscreen lotion SPF 15+
  • Very high risk means that you could burn severely in 20 to 30 minutes. Stay out of direct sunlight, cover up and use a sunscreen lotion SPF 15+

People of all skin colour, especially children and babies, can suffer eye damage, over heating and dehydration as a result of excessive sun exposure.

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