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Sun Monitor Patches – Instructions for Use

THE DANGER OF SUNLIGHT

Sunlight, contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is potentially, harmful to humans. The ozone layer in the stratosphere normally blocks UV radiation and reduces the amount that reaches the earth to an acceptable level. Over the last few decades, the level of UV radiation reaching the earth has been increasing steadily. This is due to the depletion of the ozone layer caused by the release of various chemicals into the atmosphere in the form of aerosols (CFC) in some parts of the world, the UV radiation level has doubled during this period substantially

increasing the danger of exposure to sunlight. Since the ozone layer is in the stratosphere and CFC is released into the atmosphere, it takes 20 to 30 years for the CFC to reach and affect the ozone layer. Therefore, despite recent legislation to limit the release of harmful

chemicals into the atmosphere, the thickness of the ozone layer will continue to be reduced for the next twenty years or so until the measures take effect. Recent medical statistics indicate that the incidence if skin cancer has closely tracked rising UV radiation for the last twenty years. The evidence suggests that every 1% increase in the level of UV radiation causes a 4-5% increase in the number of skin cancer cases. UV radiation also has other harmful biological effects, such as premature skin ageing, eye damage etc.

REDUCING THE RISK OF OVER-EXPOSURE TO UV RADIATION

The most practical way to reduce the risks of exposure to UV is a personal UV warning patch. Experts in this field support this view, Dr Perry Robins, founder and president of The Skin Cancer Foundation in the USA says, “The sun’s ultraviolet radiation is the cause of premature

ageing, wrinkling, benign and pre-cancerous growths and at least 90% of all skin cancers. We welcome new developments such as a personal sticker that could help to alert people as to the importance of protecting themselves from the damaging rays of the sun”. The Sun Monitor Patch is a disposable personal patch for use with sunscreen lotions. The personal patch reacts to UV radiation in a similar manner to that of the user’s skin, and provides a clear

colour warning of when to re-apply sunblock or when maximum permissible exposure to UV has been reached for the day. This avoids skin damage, eye injury and reduces the risk of skin cancer. The patch also absorbs the sunscreen lotion in a similar way to that of the skin, enabling prompt colour alerts when it is necessary to reapply sunscreen lotion. The patch can be attached to clothing, footwear, equipment etc and is efficient at temperatures up to 50°C and relative humidity up to 100% (including salt water).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1) Open the pouch and remove a single patch from the backing sheet. Replace unused patches into the pouch and reseal immediately to protect the remaining patches from UV light.

2) Remove backing cover and place the patch on a bathing suit or hat, where it is most exposed to the sun. Do no apply to wet clothing or skin, or after putting on sunblock as the patches may not adhere properly.

3) Coat a small section of the patch with the same sunscreen lotion you use on your skin and to the same thickness.

4) During exposure to sunlight, the patch will gradually change colour from blue to brown and

then to orange.

5) The patch has two reference marks: EYES – BROWN , MOUTH – ORANGE

6) Initially the patch turns BLUE , showing both eyes and mouth.

7) When the patch turns BROWN , the eyes disappear and it is time to reapply more sunscreen lotion.

8) When the patch colour become ORANGE and the mouth disappears, you have exceeded the acceptable exposure to sunlight for the day.

9) If the patch is removed from exposure to UV and has already changed colour, when it is re-exposed it will start to operate from the point at which it was removed.

STORAGE

- Store at room temperature.

- Place unused patches inside the lightproof bag.

- DO NOT EXPOSE THE PATCHES TO SUNLIGHT WHILST NOT IN USE.

PRECAUTIONS

May not be suitable for people with colour impairment

	Starting Colour
	Initial contact with UV
	Time to re-apply sunblock
	Time to get out of the sun