Media dissemination of and public response to the ultraviolet index - United States, 1994-1995

Many TV stations and newspapers are disseminating the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) and many people are changing their sun exposure as a result. The UVI is a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It ranges from zero to 10 and can be broadcast during the weather report or published in a newspaper. A survey of 185 TV stations found that 70% incorporated the UVI in their weather reports every day. Of 54 city newspapers surveyed nationwide, 61% published the UVI. And a random survey of 700 adults found that 64% had heard of the UVI and 38% of these had changed their sun exposure as a result.