UV Radiation at High-risk Level in South Vietnam

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation index in much of Vietnam’s southern region, including HCM City, will continue to be at 10-12 high-risk level until the end of this week, according to a meteorologist. Le Thi Xuan Lan, lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City University for Natural Resources and Environment, said that the prolonged dry season and hot weather since the beginning of the year had caused the high UV level. According to the Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting in the southern region, the average temperature since May 2 has been 34-40 degrees Celsius. All southern provinces and two major cities namely Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho reported a total of 10-50 millimeters of rain beginning on May 1. Lan said that the UV index of 8 to 10 is considered “very high” exposure, and 11 to 13 is considered “extreme”, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “UV radiation is strongest between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. The overexposure could lead to high risk of harm to health,” Lan said, noting that people should pay attention to the UV index and protect themselves. Dr. Le Ngoc Diep at Ho Chi Minh City University said that too much exposure can cause skin cancer. (Vietnamplus.vn May 9, Vov.vn May 9)