Summer sun? Of course, but safely!

Protection against the sun is vital!

In the meteorological calendar, 1 June marks the start of summer. Many people are keen to enjoy spending time outdoors, including in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) recommends that people always spare a thought for protection against the sun.

"As last weekend showed, many people are keen to spend time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. When doing so, they should always ensure sufficient UV protection", says BfS President Inge Paulini.

There is always an easy way to avoid getting sunburnt at the start of summer: "People should ensure protection against the sun in all situations – whether they're relaxing at the beach, spending time at an outdoor pool, going for a stroll through the city, or sitting on their balcony at home." Protection against the sun is also important in your own garden or while jogging in the park.

Shade, shirt and sun cream

A hat, sunglasses, clothing and shoes provide good protection against UV radiation. Especially at lunchtime, when the sun is high in the sky and powerful UV radiation is to be expected, it's better to remain in the shade. Likewise, people shouldn't forget to apply sun cream to any skin that isn't covered by clothing.

The UV index is a good point of reference when it comes to protection against the sun. This index indicates the expected daily peak value of sunburn-causing UV radiation. Protective measures are necessary at a UV index of 3 or more, and people should avoid spending time outdoors wherever possible at a UV index of 8 or more. In the summer months, the UV index reaches values of up to 9 in Germany – and values of up to 12 are even possible in mountainous areas.

UV forecast by newsletter

From April to September, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection sends out a UV newsletter every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to provide information on the current UV situation in Germany. The newsletter contains a three-day forecast of the UV index for 10 forecast areas.

The BfS website also displays the UV index over the course of the day at the various UV measuring stations, of which there are currently 32.

New animated video about protection against the sun

Children are more sensitive than adults to UV radiation and therefore need special protection. Among other things, serious sunburns in childhood increase the risk of developing sunburn later in life by a factor of 2 to 3.

Video: UV protection with Laura and Paul

With a new animated video, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection hopes to educate children and adolescents on how best to protect themselves against UV radiation in summer.

Accompanied by the cartoon characters Laura and Paul, children learn what it takes to protect themselves against the sun at the outdoor swimming pool: not only sun cream but also long clothing, sunglasses, a hat and a place in the shade.

The video is now available at www.bfs.de/sonnenschutz-video.

BfS is a partner in the UV Protection Alliance

The BfS is a partner in the UV Protection Alliance, an initiative made up of 26 institutions that work at the national and European level and have expertise in solar UV radiation and skin cancer prevention. The Alliance aims to work towards sensible UV protection using the right measures as well as suitable structures in all living environments in order to prevent UV-related diseases – especially cancer.