UV Beads Used in South Africa to Teach Dangers of Sun Exposure

South Africa has the highest rate of skin cancer in Africa and is second to Australia in the world skin cancer rates. The Human Alliance for Cancer Awareness (HACA) is working to create clubs in South African high schools to improve students’ knowledge and awareness of cancer.

The HACA team shares videos on the impact of cancer and engages the students in a quiz show about their knowledge of cancer.

Each attendee also receives a wristband with UV Beads from Steve Spangler Science. UV Beads contain pigments that change color when exposed to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible radiation that will give you a sunburn and injure your eyes. It is important to use sunglasses and sunscreens as they reflect UV photons.

The students in South Africa wear the beads to help them indicate their exposure to the sun. Dark-skinned Africans are less prone to sunburns but are in danger of getting skin cancer from sun exposure.