24/07/2006

Detailed forecasts for the intensity of UV rays in Greece and Cyprus, as well as specific measurements of the sun's rays are available on the web site of the National Network for the Measurement of Ultraviolet Solar Radiation (www.uvnet.gr). The Atmospheric Physics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessalonica coordinates the site with the participation of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, DRAXIS-Environmental Technology, ALTEC and GEOINFO.

The goals of the Network are: the long-term monitoring of UV ray levels, the short-term forecasting of UV ray levels, the study of the impact of UV rays on human beings and the ecosystem, and the raising of awareness regarding protection methods.

Measurements are performed at specially designed stations in various areas of Greece and Cyprus (Thessalonica, Mytilene, Ioannina, Athens, Patras, Iraklion, Rhodes, Xanthi and Nicosia), which are equipped with multiple-channel NILU-UV radiometers for the measurement of solar radiation in the UVB spectrum (280-315 nm), the UVA spectrum (315-400 nm) and the visible range (400-700 nm). The measuring instruments are electronically connected to a central database at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, allowing for prompt collection of data and the provision of the following services:

- Forecasting of the UV index for any area in Greece or Cyprus, on an hourly basis, and comments regarding significance and protection methods. Results are available on the web site but are also sent electronically, upon request, in Greek and also in other languages.

- Measurements of UV index and relevant statistical data (daily dose, maximum and minimum values, permissible sun exposure time depending on skin type, etc.). Results are available on the web site but are also sent electronically by SMS, upon request, in Greek and in other languages.

- Measurements of penetrability of various materials (tissue, glass or plastic surfaces, etc.): measurements are performed in a laboratory with artificial sources of radiation or in real-life situations with solar radiation. Penetrability is measured by spectrum, either in the spectrum range 250-1,000 nm, or in the wider spectrum bands (e.g. UV-B, UV-Α, visible, near infrared).

- Measurements of UV solar radiation for the investigation of their impact on materials (plastic, tissue, wood, glass, metal, etc.). Measurements help determine the effects of material exposure to UV solar radiation. Measurements are performed either under controlled exposure in the laboratory or under circumstances of natural light in an outdoor space for various lengths of time and accompanied by environmental temperature measurements and relative humidity.

- Calibration and optic characterisation of solar radiation measuring instruments: complete calibration of various types of instruments, spectrum response of radiometers in the spectrum range 250-1,000 nm, angle response in various azimuth angles.

- Optic lamp characterisation in the UV and visible range: determination of the spectrum lamp emission in the spectrum range 250-1,1000 nm, emission line detection in the 250-1,000 nm range, estimation of their biologically active emission for various spectra of effect (e.g. UV-B, UV-A, erythema, DNA, effect on plants, vitamin D production, etc.).

Source: UVnet