A number of districts in Kerala have been reporting excessive ultraviolet index (UVI), the extent of UV radiation from the solar on a scale of 1 to 11, up to now few days, elevating issues about its potential well being impacts.
Based on the Kerala State Catastrophe Administration Authority (KSDMA), Munnar in Idukki recorded a UVI of 12 and Konni in Pathanamthitta 11 on March 17. Kottarakkara in Kollam and Changanassery in Kottayam reported 10, Ponnani in Malappuram recorded 9, and Thrithala in Palakkad eight. Beypore in Kozhikode, Kalamassery in Ernakulam, Vilappilsala in Thiruvananthapuram, and Chengannur in Alappuzha reported seven every. Mananthavady in Wayanad and Ollur in Thrissur recorded six every. The excessive UVI is recorded between 10 a.m. and three p.m.
The World Well being Group says {that a} purple alert must be issued if the radiation degree is at 11 and above (excessive), and there are elevated well being dangers. Whether it is between eight and 10 (very excessive), a pink alert is issued calling for further precautions. If the UV index is between six and 7 (excessive), an orange alert is issued and precautions should be taken.
T. Jayakrishnan, public well being skilled, says that top publicity to UV rays might result in gradual lack of pores and skin elasticity, untimely ageing, wrinkling, and pores and skin pigmentation. It may possibly injury the pores and skin, eye, and the physique’s defence mechanism. On the pores and skin, it may possibly result in solar tan, solar burn, redness, swelling, blisters, allergic reactions, and itching. Picture-toxic reactions might occur in individuals who use sure beauty merchandise, soaps, and natural cures. On a long-term foundation, there’s a risk of pores and skin most cancers and melanoma, a kind of tumour. UV ray publicity might also suppress the immunity, affecting the physique’s potential to defend sure illnesses.
There are two sorts of UV rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. The previous penetrates deeper into the pores and skin and even to the blood vessels. Solar burn is principally attributable to the UVB rays. Additionally they stimulate melanin pigmentation, leading to solar tan marks, which may exist ceaselessly.
Dr. Jayakrishnan factors out {that a} small quantity of UV rays may attain the retina of the eyes too. This penetration could possibly be extreme within the case of kids. Extended publicity may injury the retina at a later stage. “Photokeratitis, a painful situation of the attention, and pterygium, a non-cancerous progress that happens on the conjuctiva, are a number of the different prospects,” he says.
Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram had skilled excessive UVI of 11 on March 14,. Kollam recorded 10, and Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode had a UV index of 9. Based on a research revealed within the journal Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation, protecting the interval between 2004 and 2022, greater than 79% of the UV measurements in Kerala had been within the very excessive and excessive classes. Excessive values had been seen in the course of the south west monsoon and the summer time. Thrissur, Palakkad, components of Ernakulam, Idukki, components of Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram had been discovered to be extra weak by way of excessive UV publicity. A cyclical growing and reducing sample was proven, with peaks in March, April and September and decrease indices in June, July and December.
Dr. Jayakrishnan says that sunscreen lotions might not be crucial for individuals dwelling in tropical international locations like India. Darkish-skinned individuals genetically have sufficient melanin to guard them from the solar. Carrying sun shades will assist. “These working in sand banks, waterbodies are extra in danger as a consequence of reflections. Fishermen and people engaged within the development of buildings and roads must be cautious. Hats and UV protected umbrella can be utilized,” he provides.
Printed – March 18, 2025 08:43 pm IST
