Updated on Jun 22, 2008 – SCMP
Everyone is aware of the dangers of air pollution; fewer people are concerned about those from ultraviolet light. Yet too much exposure to it can be just as dangerous. According to the World Health Organisation, four out of five cases of skin cancer result from too much exposure to sunlight. But a lesser known danger from ultraviolet light comes from a WHO statement, which warns up to 20 per cent of cataract cases worldwide are caused by such overexposure. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.
Hong Kong’s ultraviolet readings are among the highest in the world, mainly because of its position on Planet Earth. Clearly, more public education to raise awareness is needed. It is, therefore, commendable that the Observatory will start issuing hourly advice via public announcements from next month when ultraviolet (UV) levels reach “extreme exposure”, which means above 11 on the UV index.
Since 1999, the Observatory has been providing daily ultraviolet readings. Currently, visitors to its website – the most widely viewed of all the government Web services – can also find ultraviolet forecasts for the next day. But it provides only index levels, instead of precautions to take to avoid exposure. But, just as it now issues warnings when air pollution reaches dangerous levels, there is a need to extend the same service to sunlight exposure.
This new service will be especially important to schools, where young pupils are regularly exposed to the sun during physical education classes. While increasing numbers of schools now advise pupils to put on hats and use sunscreen lotion, many are still woefully unaware. Yet overexposure from a young age clearly increases health risks later in life. This month, a University of Hong Kong survey found people are not nearly as aware of the damage that excessive ultraviolet exposure can inflict on the eyes as of its ill-effects on the skin. Teachers and parents, therefore, need to be better educated about the dangers of too much exposure to sunlight.
Though the new service is being offered by the Observatory, the Education Bureau should join in efforts as well. Better awareness will help reduce the number of cancer and cataract cases in the years to come.