Harmful Effects of Solar Radiation

Problem:
When bare skin is exposed to sunlight for a long time, it can burn or tan. UV radiation wavelengths are short enough to break the chemical bonds in skin tissue. Over a long period of time, and with repeated exposure to UV radiation, skin cells can be damaged; skin may wrinkle or skin cancer may develop.

Response:
To emphasis the importance of protective clothing and sunscreen, we ordered Solar Beads to teach about ultraviolet light and the possible harmful effects of solar radiation. The beads have a chemical substance embedded in their plastic containing a pigment that changes color when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The beads are not affected by visible light, such as the light from a light bulb, etc.

We made reminder bracelets of the solar beads with a brief instruction sheet. “Ultra-violet sun rays change the color of the beads. The ultra-violet sun rays also changes and damages your skin. Remember to keep the beads white by keeping them out of the sun’s rays. Go into the sunlight and watch what happens. REMEMBER TO APPLY SUN PROTECTION LOTION AND WER A HAT WHEN GOING INTO THE SUNSHINE.

During the middle of the day the sun’s rays are very strong. Take the shadow test: when your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is high in the sky, and the ultraviolet rays are very strong. UV rays travel through clouds. Be sure to protect your skin even when the sun isn’t shining.”

A display regarding protective clothing was used at a health fair in Jackson County and at Ag Day in Johnson County. Sun bead bracelets were also distributed at: PAT training in Linn County, Marion East Rotary, to those participating in the EFNEP summer youth program, to youth at the Linn County 4-H fair and at the Iowa County Migrant Camp.

Impact:
One Rotarian came up to me at another meeting and said he wore the bracelet outside and was surprised how quickly the beads changed color. He had a fair skinned daughter who had had a bad sunburn and he shared the reminder bracelet with her to remind her about the dangers of ultra-violet light.

A school nurse who attended PAT training requested information on getting the solar beads to use in her programming. Youth wore their bracelets back to other sessions in the summer EFNEP youth program and talked about how fast the beads turned pink.

At the Iowa County Migrant Camp when the youth were outside, one little girl came up to the staff and showed the staff person her beads. She said the beads are pink, time to go inside. Another little boy came up to the same staff person and asked her if she had sun block on. She said no. And the little boy told her she should have it on.

We sent a simple evaluation to those who attended the PAT training. We sent out 73 letters and received 8 responses which was a 9 percent return. One person said they had not used the beads yet but intended too. All others responded that they had worn the sunbead bracelet in the sun. All but one indicated that because they saw how fast the beads changed color they wear sunscreen more often and wear more protective clothing. All indicated that the sunbeads made them more aware of how quickly the sun can affect your skin.

Contact:
Susan Uthoff
ISUE FS Nutrition and Health
Linn County Extension Office
3279 7th Ave  Marion IA  52302
Phone 319-377-9839; Fax 319-377-0475
Email x1uthoff@iastate.edu

 

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