Now, a partnership between the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and the Bermuda Weather Service has implemented a UV Index (UVI) reporting system. A spokesperson said, “The UVI is a major tool in assisting people to protect themselves to prevent skin cancer." This initiative has come to fruition by the tireless efforts and generosity of Mrs. Lynanne Bolton, who has been personally affected by skin cancer.
A UVI reading provides us with a scale that measures UV Radiation from the sun, the major source of radiation that causes skin cancer, cataracts, and other illnesses. The values of the index range from zero to 11+. The higher the UVI number, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for damage to occur.
The UVI scale is a helpful warning for people to assist them with how much sun protection to use while outdoors for extended periods of time.
To report UVI data accurately requires sophisticated instrumentation. Currently, Kipp & Zonen are the only company to produce both the instrumentation (UV radiometer) and software necessary to correct the data for atmospheric effects, in order to produce an accurate UVI reading for use by the public.
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is pleased to announce that it has collaborated with the Bermuda Weather Service in order to purchase and operate Kipp & Zonen’s UV radiometer equipment, which is a highly valued asset for the Island of Bermuda. Never before have real-time UVI readings of this accuracy been available in Bermuda, With the help of this data we can highlight the health hazards of excessive sun exposure.
Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) is operated by BAS-Serco on behalf of the Department of Airport Operations. Both BAS-Serco and the DAO are in full support of this very valuable community initiative. The project began last summer with the implementation of a 2 day UV-Index forecast on the Bermuda Weather Service website.
This latest development is the second tier of the project, which will see real-time data being disseminated to the public via the BWS’s website and via the cable television channels; CV channel 4 and WOW channel 100.”
BWS has installed a Kipp & Zonen UVS-E-T radiometer to measure the Erythemal UV radiation. UVE irradiance is recorded every minute, in W/m2, by a LOGBOX SD data logger and transmitted to the BWS data management system; where it is converted to UV Index and the average is reported on the website every 10 minutes.
The webpage also contains information on UV exposure and the protection required.
Once the UV-radiometer, data output and associated products are running smoothly, we hope that there may be scope for BWS to carry out some research into how cloud cover affects the incoming UV (e.g. the more cloud cover, the greater the absorption of UV by the clouds).
At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, we have a SunSmart programme that brings public awareness through presentations in our schools, private and public sector, from the preschool level up to the senior school level. Corporate presentations are offered as well.
Our main objective is to target the young, by promoting good SunSmart behaviours using five steps, including slip on sun protective clothing, long-sleeved shirts with collar, long pants; slop on sunscreen, 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, using broad spectrum with SPF 30+; and reapply every two hours; slap on a broad brimmed hat that will protect your face, ears and neck; seek shade between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm; and slide on close fitted, wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.
Now, more importantly, we have the UVI data being recorded here on the island by BWS. This seals the deal in all the required steps to protecting yourself while outdoors. Depending on the UVI value, everyone will be able to plan their outdoor activities accordingly.”
The Bermuda Weather Service website is at www.weather.bm
Live UVI data is available at www.weather.bm/tools/animateimages.asp?name=UVINDEX
For more information on the SunSmart Programme visit www.cancer.bm/what-we-do/sunsmart-programme
Source http://bernews.com/2015/05/bermuda-cancer-health-bws-uvi/
