Dangerous Ozone Spin-Off for Industry

Sandton Johannesburg South Africa March 2011

Most business minded people would agree that news media tends to exaggerate or distort a story for sensational effects. Even news of the hole in the earth’s ozone layer is suspect. But in this case it is a scientific fact, verified daily by satellite observation of ultra violet radiation, that our planet’s protective ozone shield is dangerously being depleted.

Reports in the Johannesburg Star newspaper in the 80’s said that the hole above the atmosphere would reach a maximum size by 1998. It was quoted by Dr. Piet Aucamp, Chief Director of Forensic and Research Services, Department of National Health, as saying “The last one was the size of America and the next one will probably be bigger”. The most dangerous exposed months the article claims, are October and November.

Leading newspapers throughout Australia have been thumping the ozone UV cancer drum for many years and many children “Down Under” now swim in lycra costumes with sleeves and leggings. Skin cancer testing centres are mushrooming all over.

Even the famous “Coppertone” girl in the US sun care product advertisements now sports a t shirt and a hat as part of a public spirited campaign to alert the public to the dangers of radiation, including skin cancer.

Looking at the situation rationally, the inescapable fact that the southern hemisphere and partly South Africa, is exposed to much higher levels of UV radiation than in the past. If one also realises that UV light is in the electro magnetic wave frequency that lies between violet in the visible spectrum and x-ray in the shorter wavelength.

It makes the potential dangerous, more understandably. Everyone in their field of radiography naturally takes precautions against over-exposure to x-rays by using lead shielding, but seriously over exposed to UV radiation can be extremely dangerous in terms of skin carcenomas and danger to eye tissue.

The Sandton Chronicle recently stated that South Africa has the second highest incidents of skin cancer in the world, but little and not enough, is being done about it.

When skin cancer caused by UV exposure reaches crisis level, no doubt the press will have a field day. Organised labour will also have a field day too in crucifying employees who have not complied with already existing regulations in the hard hitting Machinery and Occupational Safety Act.

The amended Act of 18th August 1989 gives union representatives plenty of ammunition to use against employers whose premises are not properly screened against UV exposure, not only from welding, but also from solar source.

Business owners dare not take chances on being forced to pay massive compensation claims which will undoubtedly follow the expected increase in skin cancer as the ozone depletion increases.

For serious Managers, managing risk is part of the remit for shareholders. Taking risk especially with the health of your workers is courting disaster. It is a risk that can be simply, effectively, permanently and economically avoided by installing Klingshield’s UV protection film on the windows.

One phone call to Klingshield’s office will activate a skilled team to UV screen your windows. The installation is a quick and efficient task, with no disruption to your working schedule.

Call Leon Levy, CEO Klingshield

Issued by Klingshield News Department.

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