21 January 2025
ARPANSA is encouraging all Australians to download the free, easy to use SunSmart Global UV app to help protect them from overexposure to the sun this summer.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection expert, Dr Stuart Henderson, is an Assistant Director at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
He says the SunSmart Global UV app is accessible to even more Australians now that it is available in nine languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish languages.
‘Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage,’ Dr Henderson said.
‘The SunSmart Global UV app is a tool that puts sun protection in your hands by telling you when you need to use sun protection. Protecting your skin from UV exposure reduces your skin cancer risk.’
The SunSmart Global UV app is available for free on both Apple App and Google Play stores: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app
ARPANSA recommends that a combination of all 5 sun protection measures are used when the UV index is 3 or above:
- slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
- slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF50 or higher sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every 2 hours afterwards
- slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears
- seek shade
- slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
As the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection, ARPANSA contributes to the development of sun protection standards, undertakes research, and works with organisations such as the Cancer Councils of Australia to raise awareness of the harmful effects of sun exposure.
