Extreme UV Radiation Warning for 29 Canary Islands Municipalities
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 2 July — The Canary Islands’ Health Ministry has issued an extreme ultraviolet (UV) radiation alert for 29 municipalities, expected to last until 6 July. This warning is part of a broader public health initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of UV exposure.
According to the General Directorate of Public Health, data from the State Meteorological Agency indicates that the following areas are experiencing extreme UV risk:
- 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.
Residents are advised to completely avoid sun exposure at all times during this period. Other areas of the Canary Islands remain under a ‘very high’ UV risk level.
Health Effects of UV Radiation
Canary Islands are noted for having the highest UV radiation levels in Spain year-round. Public Health officials stress the importance of sun protection not just in summer, but throughout the year and on cloudy days. UV exposure increases with altitude.
When UV risk is classified as ‘very high’, officials recommend using high-SPF sunscreen (50+), staying in shade during peak hours, wearing wide-brimmed hats, covering exposed skin, and ensuring children and the elderly are adequately protected.
The damaging effects of UV radiation are cumulative, increasing the long-term risk of skin cancer. The Directorate highlights that even cloudy days allow UV rays to penetrate, thus making sun protection essential.
UV Radiation Risk Levels
The UV Radiation Preventive Action Plan categorises UV risks into five levels: low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme, each with specific protection guidelines. A weekly risk map is published for the archipelago based on AEMET data.
Acute effects of UV radiation can include DNA damage, sunburn, and reactions such as photoallergy and immunosuppression, which may contribute to cancer risk and reactivate certain viruses like herpes.
Vulnerable Groups
Individuals at higher risk include those who spend long hours in the sun, have fair skin, hair, and eyes, take certain medications, have a family history of skin cancer, or are over 50 years old.
In light of the current extreme UV levels, the primary advice remains clear: avoid sun exposure completely.
