MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bracelets to detect UV rays and fight skin cancer

Bracelets that change color when exposed to harmful UV rays are among the new weapons in Chile's fight against skin cancer, one of the country's biggest health problems.

The bracelets, made up of three beads, maintain their original color as long as the sun's rays are not harmful, but change color when exposed to UV rays that could damage the skin. It is hoped that the bracelets will encourage people to take appropriate precautions when the sun's intensity becomes dangerous, such as applying sun-cream, or staying in the shade.

The launch of the bracelets coincides with the beginning of the tourist and holiday season in Chile, also the most dangerous period for exposure to the sun's rays. Bracelets are currently on sale in pharmacies across Chile, and cost a thousand pesos (approx 2 US dollars. All proceeds go towards helping cancer patients.

The bracelets were developed by Chile's National Cancer Corporation (Conac) to increase awareness, especially among children, about the danger of overexposure to UV rays.

"The idea is that children can learn to protect themselves from the sun," said Catalina Agosín, director of Conac. "Children are our great hope ? it's really hard to get adults and young people to listen to our ideas because they're so obsessed with getting a tan."

As well as the colorful bracelets, Conac are also using a network of "UV traffic lights" to make people aware of the dangers of UV rays.

The innovative devices, known as "solmáforos," work in the same way as conventional traffic lights, but instead of telling drivers when to stop or go, they warn people when it's time to protect themselves from the sun.

Solmáforos have been installed in 13 different parts of Chile, including one at the top of the San Cristobal hill in Santiago.

Chile has a high rate of skin cancer, largely due to the progressive thinning of the ozone layer, which, when weakened, does not filter out harmful ultraviolet B radiation. In Chile, because of its proximity to Antarctica, this type of radiation is particularly strong.

A study in 2004 showed that a Chilean at the age of 18 has already received an amount of sun that should normally be distributed over a period of 50 years. In the last decade, cases of skin cancer have gone up by 103 percent, according to Conac.

In order to avoid ultraviolet radiation, experts suggest that people not spend more than 30 minutes in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak. Moreover, one should always use sun cream, applying it at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. People most at risk are children and those with fair complexions.

Source: The Santiago Times