Australia is notorious for it’s high rate of skin cancer incidence compared to the rest of the world. It’s no surprise then that some of our own have taken the next big step in sun protection innovation. Wearable UV detectors. Yep, you heard right! Small, wearable accessories that change colour to alert the wearer when they’ve been exposed to too much UV radiation. Let’s delve a little deeper into this technology and what it means for you!
Colour Changing Dye for Sun Protection
How do the accessories work? Queensland University of Technology had developed previously a dye that changes colour after being exposed to UV light. A collaboration with the QUT design team, produced a range of wearable accessories that utilize this dye for sun protection. As the dye changes from clear to pink, the wearer can be alerted to their UV exposure. These prototypes have been created using a 3D printed photopolymer and are currently being trialled in Australia. The ability to 3D print means that this innovation can be adapted into a range of wearable products and accessories. A range that can suit the needs of various Australians.
But haven’t we heard about this kind of UV colour changing technology before? The Brisbane Times enlightens us regarding how this product differs from any other in the market:
“QUT chemist Dr Nathan Boase said there were a number of products on the market which measured UV exposure, but they were all single-use, while their wearables could be reused.
“When exposed to simple green light the dye goes from pink back to clear, so you can use these over and over,” he said.
“Another key difference is that a lot of the UV detectors on the market fade when they’re out of the sun, but ours is incremental, it holds its colour, so you can track sun exposure during the day.””
Clearly this is sun-protection innovation as never before seen!
What’s Next For These Accessories?
QUT itself has let us know its future plans regarding these products through an article posted March this year:
““At this stage the technology is highly sensitive and rapid, and we are working on tuning the sensitivity to provide an estimation of exposure over time.”
Dr McKinnon and Dr Swann are focused on the design challenge of coming up with product prototypes that can embrace the technology – and that people will want to wear and use.
The research team is also looking for partners who may be interested in helping to manufacture further prototypes or exploring other potential applications of the technology.”
What This Innovation Means For You
“Boase said while most people take sun precautions if they are going to the beach or other forms of outdoor recreation, they often don’t take precautions in their daily life, despite just a few minutes of direct sun being enough to damage skin in some cases.” says the Brisbane Times.
Are you concerned about your intake of UV radiation? Keep an eye out in the latest developments to find out when you can get your hands on this product. In the meantime remember to still slip slop slap seek and slide, and have regular full skin checks! For more information on UV in Australia see our article ‘Why Australians Should Make Regular Skin Checks a Priority‘. And for more information on these UV accessories, please see below for the resources:
Resources: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/creative-industries/news?id=185591 https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/colour-change-wearables-to-help-keep-queenslanders-sun-smart-20230306-p5cpsy.html
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