Energy produced by the sun isreleased in different wavelengths. Some of them are visible to the human eyes, andare seen in rainbow colors, while some others are not. Red has the longestwavelength, and violet has the shortest wavelength. These shorter waves arecalled Ultraviolet rays. Apart from some animals, birds and insects, UV raysare not visible to the human eyes. Generally, these rays are progressivelyfiltered as they pass through the atmosphere, and are absorbed by the ozonelayer, but some of the UV rays do reach the earth. These rays are short enoughto break the chemical bonds in the skins tissue. When bare skin is exposed tothis light, the skin will either burn or become tan. Tanning causes a grayishbrown discoloration of the skin.
Over exposure to UV rays willcause wrinkles, weaken skins elasticity and cause excessive thickening orthinning. It also affects the eyes. Children are more exposed to risk, as theyhave thin skin and under developed melanin. They are in a dynamic state ofgrowth and therefore are more susceptible to these kinds of environmentalthreats. They may suffer retinal injury, and heat stroke. As they have lessmelanin in their skin, they are more prone to sunburns. A survey states that 80percent of a persons exposure to UV rays in his entire lifetime occurs beforethe age of 18. Longer exposure will make the child feel tired and irritable. Anadult who is staying outdoors with the child might not even realise that thechild is under danger. Research scientists have now come with a new devicewhich would alert, when the child is exposed to sunlight.
Researchers in Montreal have designed a high-tech patch, which will be embedded in childrens clothing. Thiswill give sun alert by changing color, when the child wearing the garment isexposed to a dangerous level of ultraviolet light. These patches are similar inthe size of a nickel. They are sewn into the garments of the child like sunhats, shirts etc. It contains photo sensitive and heat sensitive ink. The patchwill change its color and give alert to the parent once the heat level exceedsthe limit. Much care is taken in the formulation of this ink applied in thepatch, so as to make it phthalate free, a substance which can be toxic forchildren. A special coating is also applied in the patch, so that the garmentdoes not react to chlorine while washing.
The garments are manufactured in China, and the patches are made in Quebec. They are then sent to Asia to get embedded in theclothing. Currently these clothes are selling like hot cakes in the market.Wal-Mart is selling the product in Canada. Other retail giants like Marks andSpencer, and Mothercare in Britain are exploring their options. These garmentsare sold at a nominal profit margin of 21 percent.
Childrens skin is very sensitiveand will take only seconds to get scalded or sunburned. This garment will notsolve the problem that UV rays will create. It only gives an alert to theparent that their child is exposed to a problem and has to be taken care of. Itis the parents responsibility to create proper awareness in the minds of thechildren about UV rays and teach their children how to protect themselvesagainst it.
References:
1) http://aappolicy.aappublications.org
2) http://www.sciencekidsathome.com
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