High UV Ray Exposure in Kerala: Health and Environmental Implications

Context:

This analysis is based on the "Concern Over Impact of High UV Ray Exposure on Health as Index Goes Up to 12 in Kerala." It discusses the rising ultraviolet (UV) index in Kerala, reaching extreme levels (up to 12), and its potential health and environmental impacts.

1. High UV Index Recorded: Kerala districts reported extreme UV levels, with Munnar (Idukki) at 12 and Konni (Pathanamthitta) at 11 on March 17, 2025, exceeding the typical scale of 1-11, signaling severe exposure risks.
2. Health Concerns: Prolonged UV exposure may cause skin elasticity loss, premature aging, wrinkling, pigmentation, photo-toxic reactions (from cosmetics/herbs), and long-term risks like skin cancer and melanoma; it may also suppress immunity.
3. Historical Data: A 2004-2022 study in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment found over 79% of Kerala’s UV measurements in “very high” or “extreme” categories, with peaks during summer and southwest monsoon.
4. Vulnerable Regions: Thrissur, Palakkad, parts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram face higher UV exposure, worsened by Kerala’s tropical climate and high-altitude areas like Munnar.
5. KSDMA Alerts: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued warnings based on real-time UV monitoring—one of India’s first such systems—advising limited sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
6. Precautionary Measures: Recommendations include sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours to mitigate immediate health risks like sunburn and eye damage (e.g., cataracts).
7. Climate Link: Experts attribute high UV levels to clear skies, reduced cloud cover, and Kerala’s proximity to the equator, amplifying solar radiation intensity—a climate change-related concern.
8. Public Health Gap: Low awareness and inadequate infrastructure for UV protection in rural areas pose challenges, necessitating stronger state health interventions.
9. Policy Relevance: Kerala’s UV monitoring initiative could set a precedent for other states, aligning with national disaster management and health frameworks like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/concern-over-impact-of-high-uv-ray-exposure-on-health-as-index-goes-up-to-12-in-kerala/article69340185.ece