Seoul Records Most Intense Ultraviolet Rays

Seoul experienced the strongest ultraviolet rays last summer in the nation, surpassing coastal areas such as Cheju Island.
Due to the thinning ozone layer, people are advised to limit their exposure to sunshine in the summer months.
According to material compiled by the Meteorological Observatory during June, July, and August last year, Seoul topped the number of 'days with high ultraviolet ray density' with six in 1998, surpassing South Cholla Province's Muan(3), Cheju Island(2) and Anmyon Island(2). The city of Pohang, site of the nation's largest steel maker, in North Kyongsang Province did not experience any days with a high ultraviolet ray (UV) rating.
The UV index is calculated at noon and is divided into 'very high (over 9)', 'high (7-8.9)', 'average(5-6.9)', 'low(3-4.9)' and 'very low(0-2.9).'
If a person directly exposes the skin to more than 30 minutes of sunlight on a 'very high' day, he or she may experience burning, which not only damages the skin but increases the chance of developing skin cancer.
Cheju Island, the nation's leading resort area, recorded 21 'high' UV index days, while Seoul had 16 . Seoul's ozone layer was reduced 3.8 percent compared to that of 1984.
Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr