Weather Data Measured & Calculated
22
T. B. Fitzpatrick of the Harvard Medical School developed a categorization of
skin types 1 through 6 which were adopted by Environment Canada. These
skin types are detailed in Table 3b below.
Note: More about the Fitzpatrick Skin Types is available in: Fitzpatrick TB. Editorial: the
validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Arch Dermatol 1988;
124:869-871
UV Dose and Sunburn - Use this plot to estimate the MED dose leading to
sunburn. A person with Type II (Environment Canada) skin type might choose
0.75 MED as the maximum for the day; in contrast, a person with Type V
(Environment Canada) Skin Type might consider 2.5 MEDs a reasonable dose
for the day. NOTE: the Weather Envoy assumes a Fitzpatrick (Environment
Canada) Skin Type of II.
4 - Always tans;
rarely burns
Brown, dark brown, or
black
Rarely burns; shows very rapid tanning
response
Table A2: Environment Canada Skin Types and Reaction to the Sun
Skin
Type
Skin Color History of Tanning & Sunburning
I White Always burns easily, never tans
II White Always burns easily, tans minimally
III Light Brown Burns moderately, tans gradually
IV
Moderate
Brown
Burns minimally, tans well
V Dark Brown Burns rarely, tans profusely
VI Black Never burns, deep pigmentation
Table A1: EPA Skin Phototypes
Skin Phototype Skin color Tanning & Sunburn history
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