The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) plans to equip district administrations with ultraviolet (UV) meters following reports that the UV index for the State placed it in the high-risk category.
The KSDMA decided to create its own UV measurement network as the IMD does not furnish it with the data, KSDMA member secretary Sekhar L. Kuriakose said here on Thursday. The KSDMA expects to have the equipment in place at district Collectorates by April.
The meter measures the strength of UV radiation.
Health issues
The UV index, standardised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organisation, is designed to help people protect themselves better from excess solar UV radiation which can trigger health issues ranging from sunburns to skin cancers.
“There are reports in the media that the UV index for Kerala is as high as 12 which puts it in the high-risk zone. However, the KSDMA does not have the facility to ascertain this. We cannot depend on private agencies,” Mr. Kuriakose said.
If the UV index is between 0 and 2, the risk level is considered ‘low’, calling for minimal protection. Between three and five, there is ‘moderate’ risk. UV index six to seven means the risk is ‘high’, requiring protection and reduction in the time spent outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eight to ten constitute ‘very high’ risk. Eleven and above constitute ‘extreme’ risk.