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  • Tobacco
  • Second-hand smoke
  • Healthy body weight
  • Physical activity
  • Diet
  • Alcohol
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Pollutants
  • Radiation
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Vaccination and infections
  • Screening
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  • Pharmaceutical drugs

Am I safe on a cloudy day or under a parasol?

On a cloudy or foggy day, you might still get sunburned because up to 80% of the UV radiation passes through clouds or mist.

A parasol used on a beach blocks about 40–50% of the UV radiation. The rest reaches the skin by passing through the parasol or being reflected by the sand.

  • Why is it important to avoid too much sun exposure?
  • How much sun exposure is “too much sun”?
  • Why is it especially important for children and young people to avoid too much sun exposure?
  • Is there such a thing as a “healthy tan”?
  • When is the sun strongest?
  • Am I safe on a cloudy day or under a parasol?
  • What is the UV Index?
  • Are some people at greater risk from the sun? Does my skin type, hair colour, or eye colour matter?
  • How can I protect myself and my children from the sun in everyday life, during outdoor activities, or while on holiday?
  • As an outdoor worker, do I need protection from the sun?
  • Why should I not use sunbeds?
  • If I avoid too much sun, do I have to worry about Vitamin D deficiency then?

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