SFI International Launches UVSunSense in Australia
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and at least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Over 1000 Australians are treated for skin cancer every day and in those aged 15-44 Melanoma is the most common cause of cancer, killing more than 1600 Australians annually. The good news is that this is an almost entirely preventable disease.
The UVSunsense Wrist Band is the next step in promoting awareness of sunburn and skin cancer at all ages, in a fun and easy to follow way. Prevention is a far better alternative than attempting to cure or treat skin cancer after it it has been diagnosed. The UVSunsense initiative seeks to eliminate the main cause of skin cancer - over-exposure to the sun.
The UVSunsense Wrist-Band monitors what the wearer can't, warning when to reapply sunscreen and subsequently when to get out of the sun by distinct changes in colour. This product has the potential (through its scientific colour changes and easy-to-use nature) to seriously reduce the 1600 Australian deaths per year attributed to skin cancer. Additionally the intangible benefits of establishing an awareness of the consequences of over-exposure, ingrained at an early age, will be invaluable.
When we are out in the Sun, the amount of energy contained in the UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface, changes from day to day and hour by hour. The UVSunsense Wrist Band alerts us to the strength of the radiation on any given day by changing colour more swiftly in accordance with the intensity of UV, ensuring the wearer will not be exposed to more than 1 MED* of radiation. Without the UVSunsense Wrist Band there is no reminder or way of determining when it is time to reapply sunscreen or indeed to get out of the sun.
Soon to be available from Stores and Pharmacies in Australia, SFI is now marketing the product to retailers around the country through its sun care company.
How Does It Work?
Polymer sheet is treated with precise amounts of two distinctly coloured (photo chromatic) powders which are infused into the material. The material is then passed through another process that allows it to absorb any sunscreen the wearer chooses in the same way our skin does. When exposed to the sun's UVA or UVB rays, the strength of that wavelength of light excites the two distinct powders causing them to glow.
As the powders 'glow' they dissipate and as they dissipate the colour slowly changes.
How does this work? There is more of one powder than another and there is precisely enough powder so that at ½ of 1 MED* (Minimal Erythemal Dose) enough of one colour is 'burnt out' or dissolved to leave only the brownish colour (time to reapply). At ¾ of 1 MED of radiation all of the second powder is also burnt out and we see the final colour which is that of the original polymer (time to get out of the sun).
This Material is set specifically for the 'standard' skin type 2 as the majority fall under this category and worst case it will only tell a person with olive complexion to get out of the sun a tad earlier than their skin's capacity to withstand UV rays.
The introduction of the wrist bands to the Australian market - which are dermatologist recommended, will provide parents and children with an education and reliable means to monitor exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays. According to the Cancer Society, sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.
The product is sold to consumers in Sleeves that contain 7 wrist bands inside them. These are available in a 36 sleeve counter display. The product will retail for $9.95 in Australia.
Given the social benefit of the UVSunSense product and the link between consumer sentiment, the bottom line and corporate social responsibility in today’s current social and economic climate, this product will assist you in all of these areas.
View the UVSunSense Australia Website
