Solar Uvr Exposures of Three Groups of Outdoor Workers on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Abstract

The solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposures of three groups of outdoor workers, physical education (PE) teachers, ground staff/gardeners and lifeguards were measured using UVR‐sensitive polysulfone (PS) film badges. The exposures all took place on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland over 5 consecutive weekdays in November 1992. For the three groups, the shoulder badges received greater UVR exposures than the chest badges, in agreement with previous studies. The PE teachers received the highest UVR exposures while the lifeguards received the least. One of the 5 days of the study was overcast with some rain showers and UVR doses for this day for all groups were significantly lower than on the other 4 days, however the ratio of exposure to ambient remained relatively constant. All groups had measured UVR exposures in excess of occupational guidelines, indicating that protective measures, including education and behavior modification, which are becoming much more common in occupational situations in Australia, are both timely and necessary.

Icnirp Statement—protection of Workers Against Ultraviolet Radiation

“…Thus, hazard assessment for specific outdoor work environments can only be semi-quantitative. A study of the work site and tasks can provide an indication of individual worker exposure (Gies et al 1995;Diffey et al 1996;Thieden et al 2001Thieden et al , 2004Thieden et al , 2005Glanz et al 2007;Knuschke et al 2007).…”

Reflected solar radiation from horizontal, vertical and inclined surfaces: Ultraviolet and visible spectral and broadband behaviour due to solar zenith angle, orientation and surface type

“…UV exposure is specific to the formation of the above health effects and much research has been conducted to measure and model UV exposure. UV radiation is influenced by (and UV exposure modelling must take into account) many atmospheric factors; including solar zenith angle, altitude, latitude, ozone, clouds, aerosols, albedo (reflectivity) [3,4] and personal factors; including occupation and personal behaviour [5][6][7][8].…”

A Day at the Beach While on Tropical Vacation

“…This procedure has been reported in previous research measuring ambient and personal UVR exposure [18][19][20] that provides an erythemally effective dose in a reading of joules per meters squared. 19 This reading was then converted to standard erythemal dose (SED) units, which is equivalent to 100 J/m 2 .…”

“…Polysulfone dosimeters that are used for the measurement of ambient UVR should not exceed a level of absorbance of 0.5 to provide accurate readings. 18,19 Therefore, 2 polysulfone badges were simultaneously exposed and replaced every hour and then placed in a light-proof envelope to prevent further photodegradation.…”