World's Smallest Wireless Wearable Sensor can Monitor Exposure to Harmful UV Rays

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Highlights:

• Wireless sensor is able to reliably track exposure to harmful UV radiation of persons engaging in outdoor activities or undergoing UV light treatment for certain conditions
• Ultraviolet rays from the sun are capable of damaging the DNA of the cell resulting in skin cancer and other forms of skin damage; staying in the sun for prolonged periods increases skin cancer risk
• Skin cancer is on the rise globally and expected to rise rapidly by 2050 and will create a huge burden on the healthcare system as well

New wireless sensor device that can be glued to the hat or sunglasses or on a fingernail. This sensor is the world's smallest and helps measure the amount of exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can minimize the exposure to avoid serious effects including skin cancer, neonatal jaundice, and skin diseases, according to a multi-institutional study led by Seung Yun Heo at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. The findings of the study appear in the journal Science Translational Medicine

Testing the Wireless Sensor's Efficacy in Measuring UV Radiation Exposure

• The study team created this low cost device that works on "system on chip" technology and measures various forms of radiation. The details of UV exposure can be read on a smartphone monitor linked to the sensor
• The sensor reliably measured UVA and UVB light exposure in healthy volunteers who engaged in outdoor leisure activities such as walking and swimming over a period of four days. The sensor remained functional and correctly recorded solar exposure data
• The sensor is made in various shapes and sizes and accurately measures UVA and UVB radiation exposure during phototherapy treatment for certain skin conditions and in preterm babies receiving blue light therapy for neonatal jaundice
• The device was sturdy and remained functional even after passing through a washing machine cycle

Thus, the findings of the study suggest that the new wireless UV sensor quantifies various forms of UV light exposure and helps the person or health care professional optimize exposure to reduce or prevent adverse effects of UV radiation exposure.

‘New wireless sensor device is flexible and a low-cost technology, which can distinguish between UVA and UVB radiation accurately. People who use it can glue it to their hat, clip it to sunglasses and can even stick it on their nail.’

Limitations of Existing UV Sensors

• Battery operated sensors have a limited life depending on the battery quality
• Even among wireless sensors, some devices do not measure real-time exposure to UV light; they measure visible light and calculate UV radiation amount from that value which may not be accurate
• Existing sensors do not differentiate between UVA and UVB radiation
• UV sensor stickers worn on the skin change color when exposed to UV radiation but do not quantify the exposure

What are Ultraviolet Rays?

Ultraviolet rays from the sun are harmful ionizing radiation that can damage the DNA within the cell and cause cancer. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation namely UVA and UVB. Both are ionizing radiation and can cause skin cancer but UVB is much more harmful. UVA mainly causes skin aging and the development of wrinkles while UVB can cause skin burns and more severe damage.

Measures to Prevent Skin Cancer

• Reduce sun exposure
• Use adequate sun protection including protective headgear and clothes, using sunscreens
• Avoid heavy tanning
• Self-examination of skin and see a doctor immediately if anything new or abnormal

In conclusion, the new wireless ultraviolet radiation sensor that reliably quantifies UVA and UVB radiation exposure is an inexpensive way to monitor exposure to harmful radiation and minimize associated undesirable effects including skin cancer.

Reference:

1. Wireless, battery-free, flexible, miniaturized dosimeters monitor exposure to solar radiation and to light for phototherapy - (http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/10/470/eaau1643)

Source: Medindia

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