Engineers develop UV exposure wristband , paper-based sensor. The wristband features happy and sad emoticon faces drawn in an invisible UV-sensitive ink. They successively light up as you reach 25%, 50%, 75%, and finally 100% of your daily recommended UV exposure. The engineer research team also created six versions of the color-changing wristbands. Each of which is personalized for a specific skin tone. An important characteristic given that darker people need more sun exposure to produce vitamin D, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer throughout the world. Primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
Engineers Develop Special Sensors
Engineers develop UV exposure sensors currently available on the market, only measure overall radiation, without distinguishing between UVA, UVB, and UVC. Each of which has a significantly different impact on human health. In contrast, the new paper-based sensor can differentiate between UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. Prolonged exposure to UVA radiation remains as the most single factor associated with skin aging and wrinkling. While excessive exposure to UVB causes sunburn and increases the likelihood of skin cancer and eye damage.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation, determined by aspects such as location, time of day, pollution levels, astronomical factors, weather conditions such as clouds. This can be heightened by reflective surfaces like bodies of water, sand, and snow. UV rays, not visible to the human eye (even if cloudy UV radiation can be high). Until now, the only way of monitoring UV intensity has been to use the UV index. Given in weather reports, which indicates 5 degrees of radiation; low, moderate, high, very high, or extreme. However, despite its usefulness, the UV index a relatively limited tool. For instance, it does not clearly indicate what time of the day or for how long you should be outside to get your essential vitamin D dose. In other words, when to cover up to avoid sunburn and a heightened risk of skin cancer. https://www.glewengineering.com/engineers-develop-super-fabrics-cool-or-insulate/
Engineers Develop Senors for All Skin Types
Moreover, the UV index normally based on calculations for fair skin, making it unsuitable for ethnically diverse populations. Individuals with fairer skin can be susceptible to UV damage. Individuals with darker skin require much longer periods in the sun in order to absorb healthy amounts of vitamin D. The UV index therefore, not an accurate tool for gauging and monitoring an individual’s recommended daily exposure.
Engineers Develop Senor Wristband
Engineer Development team set out to tackle the drawbacks of the traditional UV index. Developing an inexpensive, disposable and personalized sensor that allows the wearer to track their UV exposure in real time. The sensor paper they created features a special ink, containing phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). Which turns from colorless to blue when exposed to UV radiation. Depending on the type and intensity of the UV radiation the paper begins to turn blue. The greater the exposure to UV radiation, the faster the paper turns blue. Additionally, by tweaking the ink composition and the sensor design, the team could make the ink change color faster or slower. Allowing them to produce different sensors that tailor to the six different types of skin color. https://www.glewengineering.com/engineers-develop-solar-probe-plus/
Engineers developed UV exposure wristband as a low-cost, paper-based sensor technology will not only help people of all colors to strike an optimum balance between absorbing enough vitamin D and avoiding sun damage . It also has significant applications for the agricultural and industrial sectors. UV rays affect the growth of crops and the shelf life of a range of consumer products. As the UV sensors can detect even the slightest doses of UV radiation, as well as the most extreme. This new technology has vast potential for industries and companies seeking to evaluate the prolonged impact of UV exposure on products cultivated or kept outdoors.