Revolutionary Australian device warns when enough sun is enough

A revolutionary Australian-designed device provides a personalised alert when you’ve had sufficient exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, and when you’ve had enough sun for your dose of vitamin D – taking into account your skin type, previous exposure and unprotected skin.

The ‘U-B-Safe 1’ is the only device in the world that provides monitoring for both UVB and vitamin D, and was designed and developed by a team of electronic engineers in consultation with leading dermatologists. Solar powered and small enough to be pinned onto a hat, the device emits a constant tune once sufficient exposure to UVB rays is reached.

While UVB is the type of ultra violet ray that causes sunburn and permanent skin damage, including cancer, it is also necessary as a source of vitamin D. The U-B-Safe 1 therefore provides an accurate and reliable measure of exposure to UVB.

Although fair-skinned individuals are at the highest risk for skin cancer, exposure to UV-B increases the risk of skin cancer for all skin types. The U-B-Safe 1 can be set to different types of skin, therefore measuring the appropriate level of UVB exposure in a very precise manner.

Professor Rebecca S Mason, Head of Physiology and Deputy Director of the Bosch Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney said such a device could have multiple benefits, “We know that although most Australians are aware of the importance of protection against the sun’s harmful rays, this does not always translate into consistent practice. And yet it’s not advisable to stay out of the sun completely because the sun is the major source of Vitamin D for most people. Vitamin D is important for optimal bone and muscle function and may protect against a range of diseases. A device that helps people maintain a balance between too little and too much sun exposure is likely to be very useful.” Prof Mason said.

While this information would be important for all Australians who are exposed to the sun, it may be particularly useful for people who have previously had skin cancer and need to be extra-cautious about sun exposure, and for older Australians who need to increase their Vitamin D levels without reaching harmful levels of exposure.

The U-B-Safe 1 does not replace sunscreen or the need to follow other advice regarding sun exposure – using a high SPF factor sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, covering up exposed skin and wearing a hat, and keeping out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. Unlike sunscreen though, the settings of U-B-Safe 1 provide a clear guidance on sufficient exposure rather than relying on guesswork (i.e. when to reapply sunscreen). Heat or high temperatures are not evidence of UV levels, and exposure can be dangerous even on cloudy days.

About the U-B-Safe 1
The U-B-Safe 1 is a scientific UV monitor that has been researched, designed and refined over many years by a team of Australian dermatologists and electronic engineers. The monitor has won the Australian Design Award, the ABC TV New Inventors Award, The People’s Choice Award and the Body+Soul Magazine Award.

The manual indicates how to select your skin type, out of five choices. The U-B-Safe 1 computes how much of the UVB rays you should be exposed to each day and plays a tune when you have had enough exposure.
The U-B-Safe 1 is the only UVB alarm monitor which:
• Runs on solar power; no batteries required
• Is water resistant
• Has a specially angled case so it is always in the sun like our skin
• Is designed to be pinned to a hat, so it is never shaded
• Has a musical alarm so you don’t have to keep checking a display
• Monitors unprotected skin
• Has a special memory of your past sun exposure to compute today’s dose accurately
• Is designed small and tough enough to be used by all, from children and babies to outdoor industry workers.

The U-B-Safe 1 retails for $68 and is available online at www.ubsunsafe.com.au.

Leave a Reply

Back to top