Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure of Children and Adolescents in Durban, South Africa¶

Abstract

The solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of 30 children and adolescents in three age groups (4–6 years, 7–9 years and 13–14 years) was measured for 1 week in late summer (February–March) in Durban, South Africa, using UVR‐sensitive polysulfone film badges (PSFB) attached to the lapel region of the body. The mean and median values for all ages over the study period were 2.0 and 1.2 standard erythemal dose (SED) units, respectively, where 1 SED = 100 J·m−2. Individual PSFB doses were analyzed as a function of age, gender and behavior. No significant statistical differences were found between different age groups; however, there was a statistical difference between males and females, with males generally receiving higher PSFB doses. Subjects completed UVR exposure journals documenting their time outdoors, shade versus sun conditions, nature of their activities, clothing worn and their use of sunscreen for each day of the study. Activity patterns were noted as the most important factor influencing individual UVR dose. Ambient erythemal UVR was measured by a Yankee Environmental Systems UVB pyranometer, and a relationship between ambient UVR and individual UVR dose was derived. On average, subjects received a dose of 4.6% of the total daily erythemal UVR. Based on this factor, the potential dose of an individual over a full annual cycle was estimated. Accordingly, there were 139 days during the year when an individual with skin type I (light skin) would be likely to experience minimal erythema and 97 and 32 days for individuals with skin types II and III, respectively.

Sunburn Risk Among Children and Outdoor Workers in South Africa and Reunion Island Coastal Sites

“…Studies have found that schoolchildren and outdoor workers may receive about 5% and 20% of the total daily ambient solar UVR received on a horizontal surface respectively. Indeed, in a rudimentary South African study, children received ca 5% of the total daily ambient solar UVR , a finding consistent with similar studies among schoolchildren in New Zealand , Denmark and England .…”

“…To date, no attempts have been made to empirically determine (or estimate) the nonintegrated, personal solar UVR exposure of children and outdoor workers in South Africa and Reunion Island to assess sunburn risk. In South Africa, a desktop study characterized nonmelanoma skin cancer risk for outdoor workers as being high and schoolchildren's cumulative sun exposure was found to be relatively high using polysulfone film . Two studies have estimated sunburn risk among susceptible groups at several sites in South Africa , but no evidence of similar studies was found for Reunion Island.…”

The Photostabilizing Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Three Common Sunscreen Absorbers

“…This gave an equivalent incremental standard erythemal dose (SED) (1 SED = 100 J cm −2 ) of 2.16 to 17.3 SED. This work was carried out in Durban, South Africa, a region that receives daily total ambient erythemal ultraviolet radiation of about 60 SEDs during summer . Each exposed sample was contained in a stoppered 1.00 mm pathlength quartz cuvette.…”

Ultraviolet radiation exposure pattern in winter compared with summer based on time-stamped personal dosimeter readings

“…In addition, we collected UV exposure data from 28 Danish volunteers (13 males and 15 females), median age 39 years (range 4-70) visiting popular sunny holiday resorts in the winter half-year for a median of 7 days (range [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. These subjects were indoor workers from the staff of the department or family or friends of the staff.…”

“…4 In Australia (19°S) and South Africa (30°S) other groups performed just short-term dosimeter studies during the summer season. [5][6][7] In the Netherlands (52°N) estimates of annual UV radiation exposure are mainly derived from ambient measurements, 8 while in the U.K. (50-55°N) estimates of annual UV doses are primarily based on mannequin studies and personal dosimetry of children during a spring season. 9 We previously described the Danes' UV exposure pattern in the summer half-year using time-stamped personal UV dosimetry, sun behaviour diaries and questionnaires.…”