Zoo Med Digital UV Index Radiometer User Manual

Page 7

I N D E X

Low (1,2)

I N D E X

Moderate (3,4,5)

I N D E X

High (6,7)

I N D E X

Very high (8,9,10)

Extreme (11+)

I N D E X

WHAT IS THE UV INDEX?

Developed by the World Health Organization, the UV Index is a measure of the UV
radiation from sunlight that contributes to vitamin D synthesis, as well as skin and eye
damage. It is NOT simply a measure of total UVB, but instead measures only the
specific UVB (and some UVA) wavelengths that are responsible for the biological
processes mentioned above. Not all UVB wavelengths are equal in their ability to
promote vitamin D synthesis. The UVI index takes this into account, with each wave-
length “weighted” differently depending on how effective it is at promoting vitamin D
synthesis. The UVI index is often given in weather reports and uses a color coded scale
to indicate UV intensity.

The images
show average UVI
recordings in the
USA in March and
July mid-day.

UV Index Climatological MEAN for July

UV Index for:

Hawaii

11.7

Puerto Rico

11.2

Virgin Islands 10.7

I N D E X

Low (1,2)

I N D E X

Moderate (3,4,5)

I N D E X

High (6,7)

I N D E X

Very high (8,9,10)

Extreme (11+)

I N D E X

8 910

March

I N D E X

Low (1,2)

I N D E X

Moderate (3,4,5)

I N D E X

High (6,7)

I N D E X

Very high (8,9,10)

Extreme (11+)

I N D E X

8 910

UV Index Climatological MEAN for March

UV Index for:

Hawaii

9.7

Puerto Rico

11.1

Virgin Islands 11.6

is being provided by the combination of lamps used over a given habitat. Lux
readings can range from 100 lux on an overcast day to 10,000 lux in full sunlight.
If a reptile UVB lamp is noticeably dim (especially compared to normal room
lighting), then the addition of a bright light source is recommended. Lux readings
lower than 500 should be avoided for any habitat. Be sure to avoid looking
directly at UVB lamps to prevent possible eye damage.

The information presented above is provided as a guideline for measuring lamps
and providing appropriate levels of UVB for various reptile (and amphibian)
species. Exact UVB requirements are not known for every species and UVB levels
may need to be adjusted for each specific application. If you are unsure about the
proper use of this meter, contact Zoo Med’s customer service department for
more information.

WARRANTY:

Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. (Zoo Med) warrants this meter to be free of defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and service for one year from the
date of purchase. The obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement, at Zoo Med’s discretion, of the product or any part thereof, when
the product is returned to Zoo Med, freight prepaid. No claim shall be allowed
under this warranty if, in the opinion of Zoo Med, this meter has been subject to
accident or improper usage, including but not limited to: water damage, improper
storage, accidental dropping, etc. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties
and representations expressed or implied. Please include your receipt, full name,
address, phone number, and email address along with a note explaining failure
when sending any product back to Zoo Med. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for repair
or replacement.

REFERENCES & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Bagnall, S. 2011 Apr. Rethinking Reptile Lighting. Reptiles: 20-31.

Ferguson GW, Brinker AM, Gehrmann WH, Bucklin SE, Baines FM, Mackin SJ.
2010. Voluntary exposure of some Western-Hemisphere snake and lizard species
to ultraviolet-B radiation in the field: How much ultraviolet-B should a lizard or
snake receive in captivity? Zoo Biol 29:317-334

Monthly Average UV Index. www2.epa.gov/sunwise/monthly-average-uv-index
Accessed 2013 Oct 16.

What is the UV Index? www.who.int/uv/intersunprogramme/activities/uv_index-
/en/index.html Accessed 2013 Oct 16.