May 18, 2008 8:34 am US/Pacific
Feel The Burn? Time To Slather On The Sunscreen
LOS ANGELES
Feel the burn? You will if you don't put on some sunscreen Sunday...and to hear officials tell it, you better put on a lot.
Sunday's ultraviolet index level in the Los Angeles area is 11, according to the National Weather Service.
And, if you are keeping score at home, a score of 10 is high.
The reading indicates what the UV exposure is expected to be at noon, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
A reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.
A reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger range for those with fair complexions to 15-20 minutes if not protected.
A level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair complexion could be safe from sun burn for 10-12 minutes, unless protected.
A very high exposure level reading of 10 means a fair person could get a sunburn in about four minutes if not protected.
Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for many health issues including skin cancer and cataracts.
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