Regional data on UV radiation for better UV protection in summer

The UV measuring probe in Stuttgart

Against the backdrop of climate change, protection from the harmful UV radiation of the sun is becoming increasingly important in many cities. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) is expanding its UV measuring network in order to provide citizens with even better information about the current UV exposure in their city and protect them from skin cancer. Together with the City of Stuttgart, the BfS is putting a new UV measuring station into operation for the meteorological start of summer on 1 June. This will be installed on the roof of the Office for Environmental Protection of the state capital on Gaisburgstraße.

The new measuring probe determines the current UV index from sunrise to sunset. In southern Germany, the index can reach values of up to 9 in the summer months. Protection from solar UV radiation is necessary from a value of 3. Since 30 May, the measurement data of the probe have been available on the websites of the BfS and the City of Stuttgart.

Dr Inge Paulini

"UV radiation is carcinogenic a risk to health. The general population is aware of this. However, as we know from surveys, UV radiation is often grossly underestimated. The UV index can help with risk assessment, particularly when taking part in sports and other leisure activities. The UV index also provides guidance on sun protection measures. If you stay informed, you can protect yourself and enjoy the summer", says Inge Paulini, President of the BfS.

Measurement data on the urban climate for sustainable urban development

For the city administration, the UV measurements, together with other meteorological measurements, are a fundamental component in preventing harmful environmental influences. In the urban area, The Office for Environmental Protection operates a small meteorological measuring network in which UV-A and UV-B radiation is measured in addition to air temperature, wind, precipitation, and sunshine duration. The current measurement data are made available to all interested parties on the city's climate dashboard and the website of the Urban Climatology department www.stadtklima-stuttgart.de. In addition to health care, the meteorological data are an important basis for sustainable, smart, and future-oriented urban planning and the development of effective urban planning measures to adapt to climate change.

"The series of measurements, which goes back decades, gives us the opportunity to analyse the changes in the urban climate and investigate the effects of urban redevelopment on the urban climate. We use this experience to contribute to climate-sensitive urban development. We thus want to contribute to improving the quality of life in the city and keeping it at a high and healthy level", says Raine Kapp, climatologist of the state capital.

UV-Index

Current UV measurement data also for football fans from all over the world

Stuttgart will be one of the 10 host cities for the Men's 2024 European Football Championship from 14 June to 14 July. The BfS would also like to inform fans about the UV index and UV protection with the extended service as part of the European Championships.

The UV index was defined by the WHO and is an internationally standardised measure that indicates the intensity of the sun's UV radiation on the Earth’s surface on a scale of 1 to 11+. Recommendations for sun protection are assigned to certain value ranges:

• For values from 1 to 2, no protective measures are required.
  
• For values from 3 to 7, protective measures are required: seek shade during midday hours, wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and use sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor (SPF).
  
• For values of 8 and above, the exposure is quite high, and protective measures are absolutely necessary. For example, it is best not to be outside at midday, to seek shade during the day, to wear appropriate clothing, hats and sunglasses, and to use sunscreen with a sufficient SPF.

Since 2006, the BfS has been publishing the UV Index based on the measured data of the German UV measuring network on its website. The UV measuring network is an association of several institutions and authorities, which together now operate 43 stations. This makes the German UV measuring network a leader in international comparison.

The UV measurement data can be accessed at https://www.bfs.de/uv-aktuell. The City of Stuttgart will also make the current daily schedule available at https://www.stadtklima-stuttgart.de/index.php?klima_uv-index.