Upgraded SunSmart Global UV App launched with new features to enhance sun protection

An updated version of the SunSmart Global UV app, a key tool in combatting UV-related health issues, has been launched by a group of United Nations agencies. The new version of the app works on all mobile devices and includes a number of new features and improvements.

The app allows users to track UV levels and receive personalized sun protection advice for up to 10 locations, thereby helping people take preventive measures against excessive UV exposure, which is a leading cause of skin cancer and other related diseases. Excessive UV radiation from the sun leads to over 1.5 million skin cancers annually.

The app, which is co-launched by the ILO, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization and the World Meterological Organization, was first launched in 2022. It offers UV and weather forecasts that include national and local data streams, highlighting times and places when sun protection is essential.

“Every year 1.6 billion workers, in particular those working outdoors, are exposed to solar UV radiation at work, and this number is likely to increase with climate change” says Joaquim Pintado Nunes, ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment (OSHE) Branch Chief.

“There is a critical need to raise workers’ awareness about the risks they face due to unprotected exposure to solar UV. It’s important to remember that, as with many other occupational hazards, diseases caused by ultraviolet radiation are largely preventable”.

The SunSmart Global UV App leverages the Global Solar UV Index, which provides information about potential health risks associated with UV radiation. Using this information, the app provides consistent, global, UV reporting and public health messaging. The goal is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and UV-related eye damage by educating the public on simple prevention measures such as limiting time in the midday sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using broad-spectrum sunscreen.

By increasing public awareness and encouraging sun-smart behaviour, the app contributes to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, promoting health and well-being worldwide.

The app can be downloaded for free on both Apple App and Google Play stores and is available in nine languages - Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish.