Regions like Puno will have some of the highest values. Lima will also experience high risk levels.

Sunny days are becoming more frequent in the capital. This also implies an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi), extremely high rates will be recorded throughout the national territory this spring.

“Until 2018, approximately, UV radiation levels were increasing. And as a result of several atmospheric events, as of 2019 these rates have been maintained. But, even so, the values registered in the country are still quite high,” Orlando Ccora, a Senamhi specialist, told El Comercio.

Regarding the projections for this spring season, Ccora indicated that throughout the Peruvian coast -from Tumbes to Tacna- UV radiation levels will range between 6 (high) and 10 (very high) or 11 (extremely high) as maximum values. In the case of the jungle, Ccora said that it will have rates very similar to those of the coast. In the mountains, being above 2,000 meters above sea level, the incidence of UV radiation will be much higher.

“In the Andean region, UV radiation levels, on average, will vary between 8 (very high) and 14 (extremely high). Regions such as Junín, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Cusco, Puno and the upper parts of Tacna and Moquegua will be affected, above all, ”he specified.

Risks

According to the World Health Organization, excessive exposure to UV radiation levels can cause cancer, DNA damage, sunburn, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, and immunosuppression, which weaken the body’s defenses. In addition, UV radiation has been associated with eye problems, such as cataracts.

Carlos Sordo, dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, recommended avoiding hours of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 4 p.m. He also suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and glasses that block this type of radiation.

Finally, he advised the use of sunscreen with a protection factor of 50 or more. This has to be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and should be applied every two hours.

Dr. Carlos Sordo
Dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma

Source: Diario El Comercio