Jul 31, 2006, 3:18 GMT
Salzgitter, Germany Knowing the ultraviolet index (UVI) is essential to protect from a sunburn.
This internationally-recognized standard tracks the anticipated levels of daily ultraviolet radiation, according to the Federal Office for Sun Protection in Salzgitter.
The higher the UVI, the greater the risk of sunburn. The office's website allows users to look up UVI values and forecasts for 27 different regions.
The UVI ranges from one to 12. When levels rise to eight or higher, ultraviolet rays are at their most dangerous and protection is recommended.
People with light skin can get a sunburn in less than 20 minutes without protection. On the other hand, if the UVI is between zero and two, ultraviolet rays do not present much of a threat.
The skin type is an important part of the equation and there are four different skin categories. Type 1 people have light skin, blue eyes and reddish hair and get sunburns after just a few minutes without protection. People with Type 2 skin have blonde hair and blue, green or grey eyes. Their skin turns red after 10 to 20 minutes of exposure.
People with Type 3 skin have light brown hair and grey or brown eyes. They can be under the sun for half an hour before they burn. People with Type 4 skin have the least to fear. The have dark hair and eyes and only turn red after around 40 minutes.
Note: M&C provides daily UV index maps for the USA.
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