A new version of the SunSmart Global UV App has been released to help users protect themselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Since its launch in 2022, the mobile app has been offering users the ability to search for and access detailed five-day forecasts, covering both UV radiation levels and weather conditions, for locations of their choice.

The latest version of the app combines data from national and local sources, offering multilingual support in nine languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. New features include a tablet-friendly version, UV level tracking and personalized sun protection tips for up to 10 locations.

The app is now available for free download on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it easily accessible to a global audience.

Director of the Department of Climate Change, Environment and Health at the World Health Organization Dr. Maria Neira, emphasized that, shielding yourself from UV radiation is crucial not only to prevent immediate sunburn but also to protect your long-term health and well-being.

“Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage. Taking preventive measures today can ensure a healthier tomorrow,” Dr Neira said.

UV Index describes level of solar UV radiation

The app utilizes the UV Index, a measure of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, to provide users with critical information.

The UV Index ranges from 1 (Low) to 11 (Extreme) and beyond, with higher values indicating increased risk of skin and eye damage, shorter time frames for harm to occur and greater need for protective measures. By understanding the UV Index, users can take informed steps to safeguard their health and prevent potential harm.

The SunSmart Global UV App utilizes the UV Index to provide uniform global reporting and public health guidance, empowering individuals with knowledge on easy preventive measures, including limiting midday sun exposure, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. By promoting these simple steps, the app aims to reduce the risks associated with UV radiation and promote sun safety worldwide.

Coordinator of the Global Heat Health Information Network and representative of the joint World Meteorological Organization-World Health Organization Climate and Health Office Joy Shumake-Guillemot said that, the SunSmart Global UV App brings together expertise from meteorology, environment, and health to provide a comprehensive tool for sun protection, whether you're at work or enjoying leisure activities. She stated that, the app is a crucial component of a broader initiative to raise awareness about the health risks associated not only with sun exposure but also with extreme heat.

“It is a great example of science serving society and shows how we can leverage the power and reach of mobile phone technology for Early Warnings For All,” she said.

App seeks worldwide consistency to UV reporting

The SunSmart Global UV App aims to establish a unified global standard for UV reporting and public health messaging. Developed by the Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, both World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres in Australia, the app builds on the success of a similar Australian app. This earlier app contributed to increased public awareness of UV protection, supporting a long-term public health campaign that successfully promoted sun-safe behaviors over several decades.

In 2020, the world saw a staggering 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer (including both melanoma and non-melanoma) and over 120,000 deaths from this largely preventable disease.

A key contributor to these alarming numbers is the increased exposure to harmful UV radiation, caused by the depletion of the earth's protective ozone layer. This depletion is primarily attributed to the release of specific man-

Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement ratified by all UN Member States, the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances are being gradually eliminated according to a set schedule. As a result of these sustained efforts, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predict that the ozone layer is expected to fully recover by the middle of this century, as indicated in their latest assessment report.