HONG KONG: Primary school students in Hong Kong already are well aware of the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation effects, girls in particular. Girls are more likely to do something to protect themselves, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Observatory and Department of Health yesterday.

About 3,000 primary 5 and 6 students were surveyed in June. Surprisingly almost 70 percent of the students said they pay attention to the daily UV index, especially when they plan to take part in outdoor activities. Eighty percent of kids were aware of the risk of getting skin cancer over and above the risk of painful sunburns. Some 60 percent of students, especially girls, said they take protective measures when the UV index is high. They use umbrellas, wear hats or apply sunscreen.

Leung Wing-mo, assistant director of the Hong Kong Observatory, said the survey was undertaken to ensure that primary school kids were getting the message. It's important for young people to get the message about UV awareness early. The survey shed light on protective measures by primary school students and on how education on UV radiation could be strengthened in the future.

The UV index is a measure of the potential harm from UV radiation on the human skin. The higher the UV index, the more likely it is to cause damage to our body. Doctors advise people to start taking appropriate protective measures when the UV index is 3, which is considered a moderate level.

Leung said the UV index between June and September is normally 6 or above in Hong Kong - which equates to high to extreme levels.

Chow Chor-yiu, senior medical and health officer (environmental health) of the Department of Health, advised that children should not be left in the sun for extended periods of time, because the effect of UV radiation exposure is cumulative, and adverse effects may not appear until midlife.

(HK Edition 10/14/2009 page1)