Attention UV risk: Weather expert warns of health risks in BW!

Attention UV risk: Weather expert warns of health risks in BW!

Bad Schussenried, Deutschland - In Baden-Württemberg there are currently large health warnings in relation to UV radiation. The German Weather Service (DWD) raises the alarm and reports "very high health risk from UV radiation" for the afternoon hours. In Upper Swabia, especially on Corpus Christi, the warning level could be “very high”. The region south of Stuttgart and along the Upper Rhine is particularly affected. These warnings were confirmed by weather expert Roland Roth from the South (WWS) Weatherwear in Bad Schussenried, who notes that high ozone values ​​for this season are not unusual. Roth himself considers the warning of the DWD to be "exaggerated" and advises to protect itself with sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight. The current weather conditions are also shaped by high "Yvonne", which results in a longer dry period. The high ozone values ​​and the associated UV radiation are in the context of the reinforcing climate change, which increasingly changes conditions in Germany.

But what does that mean for the health of the population? Climate change has far -reaching consequences for people and the environment in Germany. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, not only extreme weather events such as storms and droughts are a risk, but also the change in the UV radiation exposure. This continuously increases, which increases the risk of UV-related diseases. Skin and eye cancer are particularly affected, whereupon the International Agency for Cancer Research also indicates that UV radiation classifies as "carcinogenic for humans". Every year, more than 300,000 people in Germany develop skin cancer.

protective measures are required

The need for adaptation strategies to reduce UV load is becoming increasingly pressing. Measures that can be taken at both individual and municipal level are essential. Schools, daycare centers and clubs provide initiatives such as the “UV-Sicher 2023” campaign “UV-Sicher 2023” about sensible protective measures. These range from the installation of sun sails to the promotion of urban green in order to alleviate the direct influence of the solar radiation.

The concerns about the UV load are particularly reinforced by the rising temperatures and changed weather conditions. Roth emphasizes that the air is drier and wind blows, which allows the dangers a bit, but the possible arrival of mulch-warm Mediterranean air is considered potentially dangerous towards the end of the week.

The interactions of UV radiation and climate change

The interactions between climate change and UV radiation are complex. The anthropogenic degradation of the ozone layer contributes to an increased UV radiation thickness, even if this effect is less pronounced in Germany. In addition, the number of hours of sunshine in Germany has increased by around 19 % since the mid -1980s. This means that on almost half of the year in lowland regions, sunburn-effective UV radiation strengths are achieved that require immediate action.

According to the current climate effect and risk analysis, there is a high risk of climate, which is why preventive measures are urgently needed to combat UV and heat-related diseases. Even with selective thunderstorms, which can cause heavy -paced days in Riedlingen, the water often flows only superficially, which does not really improve the soil moisture and tightens the drought situation, while fresh nights and dry air can have a positive effect on the quality of life.