extreme ultraviolet radiation risk canary islands

Extreme UV risk for 29 municipalities in the Canary Islands

Extreme ultraviolet radiation warning for the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health, through the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), reported this Thursday an extreme health risk from ultraviolet (UV) radiation in 29 municipalities across the islands. This situation is expected to last until 6 July.

According to the Preventive Action Plan on the Health Effects of Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation, the General Directorate of Public Health confirmed that, based on data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and established indicators, the risk is extreme in the following municipalities, broken down by island:

La Palma: Barlovento, Garafía, Puntagorda, Puntallana, Tijarafe, El Paso, Villa de Mazo and Fuencaliente.
El Hierro: Valverde and El Pinar.
La Gomera: Alajeró.
Tenerife: Santiago del Teide and Vilaflor de Chasna.
Gran Canaria: Artenara, Tejeda, Moya, Teror, Santa Brígida, Valleseco, Vega de San Mateo, Valsequillo, Ingenio, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán.
Fuerteventura: Antigua and Betancuria.
Lanzarote: Teguise and Haría.
La Graciosa.

The recommendation for this level of risk is to avoid sun exposure entirely, at any time of day. In the remaining municipalities of the Canary Islands, the UV radiation risk remains at a very high level.

Year-round sun protection essential

Public Health reminds the public that the Canary Islands are the region of Spain with the highest level of UV radiation throughout the year, according to data provided by Aemet. Protecting yourself from the sun is a responsibility that must be maintained not only in summer, but all year round and in any location across the islands, even on cloudy days. It is also important to remember that UV exposure increases with altitude.

When the health risk from solar radiation exposure reaches the very high threshold, the recommendation is to emphasise the daily use of sun protection (SPF 50+), stay in shaded areas during the central hours of the day, wear wide-brimmed hats and clothing that covers arms and legs, use appropriate sunglasses, and pay particular attention to protecting children and the elderly from the sun. Those who work in direct sunlight should not be forgotten either, and must have protection against UV radiation.

Sun damage is cumulative, experts warn

Technicians from the General Directorate of Public Health stress that sun damage is cumulative and that excessive exposure and sunburn during childhood increase the risk of some types of skin cancer many years, or even decades, later. They also note that on cloudy days, UV rays still filter through the clouds, even if the sensation of heat may be less—a phenomenon that also occurs when a breeze is present.

How UV risk levels work

The Preventive Action Plan on the Effects of UV Radiation establishes five levels of risk (low, moderate, high, very high and extreme), each with a series of protection recommendations for the public based on the associated health risks. The General Directorate of Public Health of the SCS issues a weekly map of the archipelago showing the level of risk according to Aemet indicators.

Health impacts of UV overexposure

The acute effects of UV radiation can vary: DNA damage, sunburn, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, and immunosuppression—which may be considered a risk factor for cancer and can lead to the reactivation of viruses, such as the cold sore virus. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can also cause serious health problems, including cancer. The most well-known is melanoma, as well as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Furthermore, UV exposure increases the risk of eye diseases if adequate eye protection is not used. UV radiation can cause harmful effects in anyone, but the risks increase for people who spend many hours a day in the sun (whether for work or leisure), or who have suffered repeated episodes of sunburn throughout their lives. The same applies to people with fair skin, hair and eyes.

Certain oral and topical medications—such as antibiotics, contraceptive pills and products containing benzoyl peroxide—also increase sensitivity. Similarly, some cosmetics may increase the sensitivity of the skin and eyes to UV radiation in all skin types. A family history of skin cancer and being over 50 years old are additional risk factors.

Key advice: avoid the sun entirely

Given all this, and to protect the public, the General Directorate of Public Health reiterates the main recommendation for adequate protection against UV radiation at the current extreme level affecting the Canary Islands: avoid sun exposure entirely, at any time of day.

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