AS Pakistan faces increasingly intense summers and prolonged heatwaves, another silent health hazard often goes unnoticed: ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Every July, UV Safety Awareness Month serves as a global reminder that while sunlight is essential for life, excessive exposure to UV rays can cause irreversible damage to our skin and eyes. Protecting ourselves from harmful UV radiation is no longer merely a personal choice but an important public health responsibility.
Ultraviolet radiation, primarily UVA and UVB rays, is invisible but powerful. Moderate sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, yet prolonged and unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn, premature skin ageing, cataracts, suppression of the immune system and an increased risk of skin cancer. These health effects develop gradually, making UV radiation a “silent threat” that is often ignored until significant damage has already occurred.
In Pakistan, awareness of UV-related health risks remains limited. Many people mistakenly believe that naturally darker skin provides complete protection against the sun. Although melanin offers some natural defence, it does not eliminate the risk of skin damage or skin cancer. Millions of Pakistanis spend long hours outdoors every day, including farmers, construction workers, traffic police officers, sanitation workers, street vendors, delivery riders, athletes and schoolchildren. These groups experience prolonged UV exposure, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
Climate change has further amplified the challenge. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves mean people are exposed to intense sunlight for longer periods. According to health experts, protecting the population from UV exposure should become an integral component of Pakistan’s climate adaptation and public health strategies. Heat action plans should include practical guidance on sun protection alongside measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Fortunately, effective protection is simple and affordable. Individuals should avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest. Wearing lightweight, full-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses can significantly reduce exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapplied regularly during prolonged exposure. Seeking shade, staying hydrated and limiting unnecessary outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours are equally important.
Public institutions also have a vital role to play. Schools should encourage outdoor activities during cooler hours and educate students about sun safety from an early age. Employers should provide shaded rest areas, safe drinking water, protective clothing and flexible work schedules for outdoor workers during periods of extreme heat. Healthcare professionals should educate communities about the early warning signs of skin cancer and other UV-related conditions, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing UV-related illnesses requires more than individual action. It calls for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, the media and civil society. Nationwide awareness campaigns, integration of UV safety into school health programmes and routine dissemination of the daily UV Index through weather forecasts can help people make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
This UV Safety Awareness Month, let us remember that the sun sustains life, but overexposure can threaten it. By adopting simple preventive measures and strengthening public awareness, Pakistan can reduce preventable illnesses, protect its workforce and build healthier, more climate-resilient communities. Sun safety should become as routine as wearing a seat belt because prevention remains our strongest protection.
—The writer is public health consultant, based in Islamabad.
