Ozone defects over Poland. These people should be particularly careful about harmful radiation

According to the European Center of Medium -term weather forecasts (ECMWF) on Wednesday and Thursday Poland will be within the range of the polar vortex, in which large ozone defects may occur. The forecasts were confirmed by the Polish intitut of meteorology and water management, which announced that the stratosphere ozone deficit is already visible over the country.

“At the Aerological Measurement Station in Legionowo, a survey of a vertical ozone profile will be performed, which can capture record ozone defects. Lower values ​​of total ozone content are a higher UV -B radiation intensity reaching the earth's surface” – reads in the communiqué IMGW.

Ultraviolet radiation (including UV-B) plays a very important role in many biosphere processes and has a huge impact on human health. Excessive exposure can pose a danger to our health.

UV-B radiation does not penetrate deep into the skin, it works mainly at the level of the epidermis, is responsible for skin burns and melted erythema. Prolonged one -time sun exposure can lead to acute sunburn, which in turn can cause cancer changes, including the occurrence of an aggressive, malignant tumor, which is melanoma.

“The current situation of ozone defects occurs in early spring, when UV-B radiation intensity is usually not high, but observed ozone defects can cause an increase in UV-B radiation to values ​​higher than those usually observed at this time of year”-warns the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management.

The announcement indicates that the current situation over Poland may be of particular importance to skiers.

“In the mountains, UV-B radiation is higher, and there is also a reflection from the snow. Therefore, the intensity of UV-B radiation reaching human skin can be much higher and can cause sharp skin burns even at this time of year,” IMGW experts write.