Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research

Linde, Karlien; Wright, Caradee Y.; Kapwata, Thandi; Plessis, Johan du

doi:10.1111/php.13388

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…With regard to South Africa, a survey of farm workers in Limpopo province found that 80% never wore sunglasses and 23% never wore a hat when working ( 57 ). When a hat was used, peak caps were preferred to broad-brimmed hats although the latter provided better sun protection.…”

Section: Sun Protection Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Wright

Norval

2021

Front. Public Health

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Exposure of outdoor workers to high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses significant, well-known health risks including skin cancer and eye diseases. In South Africa, little is known about how many workers are potentially overexposed to solar UVR and what the associated impacts on their health might be. In this overview, the geography and solar UVR environment in South Africa are considered, as well as the different outdoor occupational groups likely to be affected by excessive solar UVR exposure. Sunburn, pterygium, cataract, keratinocyte cancers, and melanoma are discussed in the context of outdoor workers. Few studies in South Africa have considered these health issues and the most effective ways to reduce solar UVR exposure for those working outside. Several countries have developed policies and guidelines to support sun safety in the workplace which include training and education, in addition to the provision of personal protective equipment and managerial support. Several gaps in occupational sun protection and workplace sun safety for South Africa are identified. Legislation needs to recognize solar UVR exposure as an occupational health hazard, with sun safety guidelines and training provided for employers and employees.

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Section: Sun Protection Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Wright

Norval

2021

Front. Public Health

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“…Their study found that wearing a brimmed hat, working in the presence of reflective surfaces and seasonal variation all significantly affected ocular exposure to UVR. Other more recent studies continue to utilize similar solar principles for ocular exposure, safety and dosimetry comparisons ( 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ocular and Facial Far‐UVC Doses from Ceiling‐Mounted 222 nm Far‐UVC Fixtures

Duncan

Welch

Shuryak

et al. 2022

Photochem & Photobiology

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Far-UVC radiation, commonly defined as wavelengths from 200 nm -235 nm, is a promising tool to help prevent the spread of disease. The unique advantage of far-UVC technology over traditional ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lies in the potential for direct application of far-UVC into occupied spaces since antimicrobial doses of far-UVC are significantly below the recommended daily safe exposure limits. This study used a ceiling-mounted far-UVC fixture emitting at 222 nm to directly irradiate an indoor space and then evaluated the doses received upon a manikin. Radiation sensitive film was affixed to the head, nose, lip, and eyes of the manikin, and the 8-hour equivalent exposure dose was determined. Variables examined included manikin height (sitting or standing position), manikin offset from directly below the fixture, tilt of the manikin, the addition of glasses, the addition of hair, and different anatomical feature sizes.Importantly, at the manikin position with the highest dose to eyes, the average eye dose was only 5.8% of the maximum directly measured dose. These results provide the first experimental analysis of possible exposure doses a human would experience from an indoor far-UVC installation.

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“…Limited studies have assessed self-reported hat wearing in South Africa. Outdoor workers picking nuts and fruit on a farm in Limpopo province in the north of South Africa tended to wear peak caps while 23% never wore a hat (62). Schoolchildren from schools across South Africa reported that they "sometimes/most of the time/always" wore a cap (74% of 705 child participants) (63).…”

Section: Protective Clothing and Hatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…South Africa does not have a regulation regarding sunglasses, although UV400 lenses are suggested on the CANSA website. One study found that sunglasses were seldom worn by farmworkers in Limpopo province explained by factors including cost, cultural acceptance and possible interference with work activities (62).…”

Section: Photoprotection Strategies In South Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation, Skin Cancer and Photoprotective Strategies in South Africa^†

Wright

Norval

2022

Photochem & Photobiology

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The most recent data relating to the incidence of, and mortality from, the three commonest forms of skin cancer, namely basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and cutaneous melanoma (CM), in the Black African, Colored, Asian/Indian and White population groups in South Africa are reviewed. While exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is the major environmental risk factor for BCC in all four groups, for SSC in the White and Asian/Indian groups and for CM in the White group, this is unlikely to be the case for most SCCs in the Black African group and for most CMs in the Black African and Asian/Indian groups. Strategies for practical personal photoprotection in South Africa are discussed with particular emphasis on people at heightened risk of skin cancer including the White population group, those with HIV or oculocutaneous albinism and outdoor workers.

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Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research

Cited by 5 publications

References 14 publications

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Ocular and Facial Far‐UVC Doses from Ceiling‐Mounted 222 nm Far‐UVC Fixtures

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation, Skin Cancer and Photoprotective Strategies in South Africa^†

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Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research

Cited by 5 publications

References 14 publications

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview

Ocular and Facial Far‐UVC Doses from Ceiling‐Mounted 222 nm Far‐UVC Fixtures

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation, Skin Cancer and Photoprotective Strategies in South Africa†

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation, Skin Cancer and Photoprotective Strategies in South Africa^†