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The Hong Kong Observatory today (June 25) launched a new webpage with more information on ultraviolet (UV) radiation to raise people's awareness of sun protection and minimise the harm from UV radiation.
On hot summer days, people are inevitably exposed to UV radiation when outdoors. To raise their awareness of sun protection, the Observatory launched the new webpage on UV radiation. In addition to revamping the existing information of real-time and forecast UV indices, other useful information has been added. This includes the statistics of past UV indices, the health effects of different types of UV radiation like UVA and UVB, the effectiveness of sunscreen lotion and clothing in protecting against UV radiation, common misconceptions about sun protection and applications of UV in daily life. The new webpage can be accessed on (www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/uvindex/english/euvindex.htm).
Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr Leung Wing-mo, said, "The Observatory has been measuring UV radiation and disseminating data on UV levels since 1999. In 2006, we started to provide UV index forecasts. The new topics added to the UV webpage today should be of interest to the public. As the effect of UV radiation on children and adolescents is of particular importance, the new webpage will be useful to teachers for preparing teaching materials. It also provides parents with practical tips to protect their children from UV radiation."
Assistant Director of Health, Dr Regina Ching, welcomed the new webpage. She said, "Moderate exposure to the sun is good for our health, but overexposure to UV rays can induce skin and eye injury, and more seriously, cataracts and skin cancers. The Observatory's new webpage helps people obtain various kinds of UV information and enables them to better understand the health effects of UV radiation and sun protection measures."
Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:10
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