UV radiation in New Zealand

The big warm thing in the sky called the sun sends out different types of radiation –

• visible light or sunlight
• infrared radiation or heat
• UV radiation that we don’t see or feel

Different types of UV radiation

Three different types exist: UVA, UVB and UVC.

• UVA (aging) this can damage your skin’s cells and ultimately cause skin cancer
• UVB (burning) this can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer
• UVC the most dangerous type. The ozone absorbs all UVC meaning none reaches earth. There are however artificial sources of UVC in things like arc welding meaning workers need to take precautions to protect themselves.

Factors that affect levels of UV radiation

The levels of UV radiation from the sun change all of the time. In New Zealand UV radiation is most damaging over the months of September – April when levels of UV radiation increase.

Amounts of UV radiation  present at a certain location are affected by many factors:

• time of day
• time of year
• cloud cover
• altitude
• distance from equator

Protect yourself and your family when outdoors by wearing hats, sunglasses, covering up where possible and using SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Weathermaster can help you enjoy your outdoor spaces in comfort protected from the harmful UV rays. View our premium range of outdoor sun protection products such as Retractable awnings, outdoor umbrellas, and external sunscreens