Higher UV levels expected this summer
Posted June 4, 2011 3:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canadians will be exposed to higher levels of damaging ultraviolet rays this summer because of thinning in the ozone layer, Environment Canada says.
The protective barrier above the Arctic lost a record amount of ozone this spring, which means over the next few months, the sun’s UV rays will be about three to four per cent stronger than they were before 1980.
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed in 1987, helped phase out chlorofluorocarbons and halons, but some of the leftover chemicals have continued to destroy the ozone layer.
Environment Canada lists the UV index with the daily weather forecast whenever it reaches three or more. Already this year, UV ratings have peaked at nine or “very high” in southern Ontario and scientists say readings could reach 11 or more, considered “extreme.”
UV radiation raises the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and cataracts and can weaken the immune system.
