Punta Arenas authorities warned this weekend that especially high indexes of ultra violet (UV) radiation have been recorded and recommended that local residents take the necessary precautions: limiting time exposure to the sun, wearing long sleeves and wide brim hats, UV protection sunglasses and sun cream.

Authorities also cautioned that even UV rays are equally intense and dangerous with cloudy skies.

Claudio Casiccia, head of the Magallenes University Ozone Laboratory, said that the high UV indexes can be explained for two main reasons. First, because as the summer season approaches, the ozone angle becomes more perpendicular, particularly from September until January, and thus increasing UV intensity. And secondly, because in recent days Antarctic Ozone Hole is marking its peak approach to the south of Chile (and Argentina).

Health Ministry regional spokesperson Maria Isabel Banciella called on parents to pay special attention to children and teenagers to protect them from sun exposure and unexpected radiation.

“Sun exposure can lead to parching and scalding, premature aging or even conjunctivitis and cataracts to eyes, among other pathologies,” said Banciella. “We strongly recommend paying heed to our announced sun protection instructions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.”

SOURCE: MERCOPRESS
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