UV warning for skiers
Skiers should ensure their eyes are adequately protected against the intense UV rays focussed on ski slopes — so says the New Zealand Sunglass Association. Research data shows snow reflects up to 80 per cent of potentially damaging UV rays as well as the 100 per cent direct UV exposure. A comparison of one per cent reflection off grass shows skiers are in a dangerous environment. Quality sunglasses are more than a glare reducer and are certainly more important than just a "fashion accessory'. Exposure to high levels of ultra violet light can lead to photokeratitis, commonly known as "snow blindness". "Snow blindness" can be excruciatingly painful as UV rays react with sensitive nerve endings in the eye. Skiers Turn to Page 18
UV warning for skiers — again FROM PAGE 17 should be especially aware of eye protection around mid-day as UV spectral irradiance can be 1 0 times greater - cloud cover is not a guarantee of protection from UV. If you talk to anyone who has suffered from snow blindness they will usually talk of how they weren't aware that it was happening, and how afterwards they lay in darkened room for days, waiting for the pain to subside — coping with it being too painful to keep your eyes open but too painful to shut them. The NZSA recommends skiers wear sunglasses when exposed to UV. To ensure protection purchase sunglasses which pass the legal Australian protection standards. Many retailers have a "Public Notice" sign from the NZSA listing brands which are guaranteed to pass UV standards.
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Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 593, 4 July 1995, Page 17 (Supplement)
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261UV warning for skiers Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 593, 4 July 1995, Page 17 (Supplement)
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