System for the visualization of exposure to ultraviolet radiation

An ultraviolet dosimeter that indicates cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation that comprises:

• a) a film that is substantially impermeable to oxygen and changes from one color to a different color in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation that comprises a mixture of:
• i) from about 50 to about 99 weight percent polyvinyl alcohol;
• ii) from about 0.5 to about 50 weight percent water;
• iii) from about 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one acid-sensitive dye that is substantially insensitive to changes in temperature;
• iv) from about 0.05 to about 5 weight percent of a surfactant;
• and
• v) from about 1 to about 40 weight percent of a photoacid progenitor comprising a bisulfite adduct of an ortho nitro-substituted aromatic aldehyde that is converted into a photoacid on exposure to ultraviolet light;
• b) an ultraviolet radiation transparent moisture barrier adhered to and surrounding said film;
• c) a color standard chart that is affixed to said dosimeter and is in close visual proximity to said film;
• and
• d) means to affix the dosimeter to user.