Measurements of the Solar UVR Protection Provided by Shade Structures in New Zealand Primary Schools¶

Abstract

To reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure during childhood, shade structures are being erected in primary schools to provide areas where children can more safely undertake outdoor activities. This study to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and purpose built shade structures in providing solar UVR protection was carried out on 29 such structures in 10 schools in New Zealand. Measurements of the direct and scattered solar UVR doses within the central region of the shade structures were made during the school lunch break period using UVR-sensitive polysulfone film badges. These measurements indicate that many of the structures had UVR protection factors (PF) of 4-8, which was sufficient to provide protection during the school lunch hour. However, of the 29 structures examined, only six would meet the suggested requirements of UVR PF greater than 15 required to provide all-day protection.

Evaluation of tourists’ UV exposure in Paris

“…Shade is considered as one of the main protection strategies against the sun radiation. But it has been appreciated that people under tree, 28–31 hair, 32 cloud, 28,31 shade structure, 33,34 or beach umbrella 33,35,36 shade are exposed to considerable amount of scattered UV radiation 33 . Herein, evaluation of SED reduction by ‘town’ shade, buildings or trees, varied from 51% to 97%.…”

Shade Provision for UV Minimization: A Review

“…The horizontal plane and vertical plane reduction in UV exposure under shade structures in New Zealand primary schools has been reported . Twenty‐nine shade structures were investigated across 10 schools and only six were found to provide a PF of greater than 15, with the majority providing a PF of 4–8.…”

“…An extensive amount of research has been conducted quantifying UV levels beneath different shade environments ( e.g . ). The fact that shade is an essential component of UV minimization means that these environments must be better designed and constructed based on research that shows how UV radiation interacts with these environments.…”

Effective shade structures

“…We have found that, during autumn and winter, biologically damaging UV radiation present beneath a shade umbrella was up to 84% of that in full sun 3 . Gies and MacKay found that only six of 29 shade structures in New Zealand primary schools offered an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) greater than 15 (equivalent to a 93% reduction in incident UV radiation) 24 …”

“…New and more extensive research has recently been conducted quantifying UV in different shade environments 3 . ‐ 6 , 24 A number of these guidelines make the point that the design and construction of shade structures requires considerable technical expertise 28…”