Warning: UV rays in the southwest reach dangerous heights!

Warning: UV rays in the southwest reach dangerous heights!

Karlsruhe, Deutschland - The danger from ultraviolet (UV) radiation in southwestern Germany increases rapidly. In Baden-Württemberg in particular, the UV index of the German Weather Service (DWD) shows alarm signs: a very high risk to health is shown in large parts of the region. This reports Ka-News .

in Nordbaden, the danger is classified as high, and particularly worrying: On Wednesday along the Upper Rhine and in large parts south of Stuttgart, even warning level 9 is reached, which corresponds to a very high risk of health. From warning level 11, it is an extreme risk-causing situation through UV radiation. This questionable development makes the use of protective measures all the more important. So Kai-Uwe Nerding from the DWD recommends staying inside or in the shade, using sunscreen and protecting the skin with clothing.

protective measures and recommendations

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends wearing broad hats as additional protection against harmful radiation. The DWD has also published an online card that informs about the UV threats in color markings and forecasts for the current day and the two following days.

Especially in the current situation, climate change is a decisive factor. This not only changes the weather, but also influences the ozone layer, which is known to absorb UV rays. According to hundred percent.bghw he prevents the natural recovery and thickening of this layer and leads to unpredictable mini-ozone holes that strengthen the UV exposure, especially in spring. Exactly now when many people are looking for the first rays of sun after the long winter months.

a worrying trend

In the past, it has been shown that exposure to UV radiation can bring negative health consequences even without sunburn. Long -term results are often skin cancer, which makes the situation even more urgent. Since 2015, squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, has been recognized as an occupational disease due to natural UV radiation. According to DGUV there were already over 38,617 cases.

The forecasts are alarming: For Europe, an average increase in cases of non-melanocytic skin cancer is expected of around 8 percent per year. The skin cancer rate has even doubled since 2000. Prof. Manigé Fartasch warns of an impending increase in skin cancer, especially since around seven million people work outdoors in Germany and are therefore particularly exposed to UV radiation.

Another problem is that 20 percent of the daily working hours can lead to a high UV load outdoors. Even lower exposure over time can result in serious health consequences. Climate change becomes clear here as a central driver: less cloudy leads to increasing UV values, and frequent low-ozone events increase the risk of unexpected UV exposures.

The current situation should urgently stimulate us. Protection against UV radiation is not only a question of individual well-being, but also responsibility towards ourselves and our fellow human beings. Use the upcoming hours of sunshine carefully and take the necessary preventive measures.