UV Index Sun Awareness Program

The UV Index Sun Awareness Program is an annual campaign designed to teach Canadian children about the harmful effects of overexposure to solar ultraviolet radiation and how to use the UV Index.

In this section, you will find more information about the program, available materials, and what you can do as a teacher or daycare provider. Register to receive a Sun Awareness Program kit and get the latest UV forecast in your area.

 

About the Program

Over-exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is known to cause serious health consequences, including sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage, and a weakening of the immune system. To protect Canadians from these negative effects, Health Canada in collaboration with Environment Canada has introduced the UV Index Sun Awareness Program.

Childhood is thought to be an especially critical time to teach and practice sun protective habits. Studies have indicated that sun awareness campaigns encouraging changes in behaviour can reduce cumulative UV exposure and thus diminish adverse UV health effects.

The UV Index Sun Awareness Program explains to children what UV radiation is, how it can affect their health, and how to protect themselves. Since its inception in 1998, the program has been extremely successful, reaching over 4,700 teachers and 424,000 students.

Although currently under the management of Health Canada, the program maintains close ties to Environment Canada, which provides valuable expertise through their  UV Index and Sun Protection website. For further information about this program, please contact the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau.