Potential dosemeter for quantifying biologically effective blue light exposures

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a blue light (VIS(BL)) dosemeter. The VIS(BL) dosemeter is based on the combination of polysulfone and phenothiazine as a potential VIS(BL) dosemeter for population studies of exposures related to the blue light hazard. This research found that this combination of photosensitive chromophores reacts to both ultraviolet and visible wavelengths of the solar spectrum. Further to this, the majority of the ultraviolet wavelengths <380 nm can be filtered out with the use of a low-pass filter. It was found that a large change in optical absorbance at 437 nm occurred when the dosemeter was employed to quantify the solar blue light hazard exposures. Preliminary results indicate that this dosemeter saturates relatively slowly and is able to measure exposures equivalent to >1200 kJ m(-2) of blue light hazard weighted solar radiation.

Solar Blue Light Radiation Enhancement during Mid to Low Solar Elevation Periods under Cloud Affected Skies

“…Intense or long duration of exposure to strong HEV sources is hazardous and could lead to photochemical damage of the retina. This damage is referred to as "photoretinitis" [4,7,[10][11][12][13], also known as "photoretinopathy" [3,11] 3 of 14…”

“…Intense or long duration of exposure to strong HEV sources is hazardous and could lead to photochemical damage of the retina. This damage is referred to as “photoretinitis” [ 4 , 7 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], also known as “photoretinopathy” [ 3 , 11 ] or photomaculopathy [ 5 , 14 , 15 ]. Prolonged exposure to HEV has the potential to contribute to the development of age related macular degeneration (AMD) [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 12 , 15 ], although this link has not been confirmed and is thus not universally agreed upon [ 5 , 8 ].…”