Myanmar warns against higher ultraviolet index in coming summer

YANGON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar meteorologists are warning against the threat of higher ultraviolet (UV) index in coming summer, saying that daily temperatures are estimated to reach its peak in April, the hottest month in the country.

The index for last year's summer in Yangon saw a rise to nearly 13. UV indexes between 10 and 11 can be harmful to human skin, the New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday.

"People living in the country's commercial cities have become trapped in the scorching heat and have been warned of skin cancer and permanent blindness," it said.

U Tun Lwin, a well-known retired Myanmar meteorologist, warned people in Yangon, Mandalay and other dwellers in the six big cities against the dangerous level of UV as it is expected to reach its highest level.

Maximum outdoor UV index at noon over the last few days reached 13.8 in Kawthoung, 12.8 in Dawei, 12.6 in Yangon, 12.4 in Mawlamyine, 12.3 in Nay Pyi Taw and 11.5 in Mandalay.

According to local media, nearly 60 percent of patients at skin- related clinics in Yangon have been given special treatment to chronic skin diseases triggered by dangerous UV rays.

source: Xinhua

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2014-03/23/c_133207482.htm