Through the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), the Plan for Preventive Actions against the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure on Health is coordinated. This plan establishes a series of recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of UV radiation on people's health, based on different risk levels.
According to data provided by the State Meteorological Agency and the plan's indicators, the current risk of ultraviolet radiation in the archipelago is very high across all islands, reaching an extreme level in several locations in Gran Canaria. The General Directorate of Public Health emphasizes the importance of sun protection throughout the year, even on cloudy days, due to the cumulative nature of sun damage.
“"Sun damage is cumulative, and excessive exposure and sunburns in childhood increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer many years, or even decades, later."
Acute effects of UV radiation include DNA damage, sunburns, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, and immunosuppression. Overexposure can lead to serious health problems, such as skin cancer (melanoma) and eye diseases if adequate protection is not used.
Recommended preventive measures include staying in the shade, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, using wide-brimmed hats and approved sunglasses. It is crucial to apply sunscreen with an SPF 50 factor or higher, and never directly expose infants under one year old to the sun.
