Erythemal Ultraviolet Exposure in Two Groups of Outdoor Workers in Valencia, Spain

Abstract

UVexposure is considered to be one of the most important risk factors in skin cancers, mainly in outdoor occupational activities. Outdoor workers receive regular and significant solar UV erythemal radiation (UVER). To quantify the UVER exposure of certain groups of workers, dosimeters are used to measure the biologically effective UV radiation received in the course of their daily work. Two groups of outdoor workers, composed of gardeners and lifeguards, were measured for UVER exposure using sensitive spore-film filter-type personal dosimeters (Viospor). The study took place in Valencia, Spain, in June and July 2008, and involved one group of four gardeners and another of five beach lifeguards for a period of 4 and 6 days, respectively. The gardeners' mean UV exposure was 4.13 +/- 0.60 SED day(-1), where 1 SED is defined as effective 100 J m(-2) when weighted with the CIE erythemal response function, whereas the lifeguards received 11.43 +/- 2.15 SED day(-1). The mean exposure ratio (ER) relative to ambient of gardeners was 0.09 +/- 0.01 and for lifeguards was 0.27 +/- 0.05. ER is defined as the ratio between the personal dose on a selected anatomical site and the corresponding ambient dose on a horizontal plane during the same exposure period. The lifeguards received the highest UVER exposure, although both groups had measured UVER exposure in excess of occupational guidelines, indicating that protective measures are necessary.

Solar UV exposure in construction workers in Valencia, Spain

“…We conducted a previous study (Serrano et al, 2009) The median daily UV exposure for building workers in our study was 6.11 SED, which therefore exceeded the EL by a factor of 6, so that the individuals engaged in these activities received 6 times the expected occupational UVER load for outdoor workers. This outdoor group thus had measured UVER exposures in excess of occupational guidelines, indicating that protective measures are highly advisable.…”

“…These dosimeters have been proved effective for personal UV measurements in outdoor occupations such as building workers (Milon et al, 2007), lifesaving (Moehrle and Garbe, 2000;O'Riordan et al, 2008;Serrano et al 2009), or mountain guides (Moehrle et al, 2003;Moehrle and Garbe, 2000). Spore-film production (DNA repair-deficient strain of Bacillus subtilis) and the development of the films are described in Furusawa et al, 1998 andMunakata et al, 2000.…”

“…Due to its geographical situation, for most of the year the Valencia Region (Spain) receives large doses of UVR. Outdoor workers receive regular and significant solar UVR in their course of their activities (Gies and Wright, 2003;Gies et al, 2009;Glanz et al, 2007;Hammond et al, 2009;Milon et al, 2007;Moehrle et al, 2003;Schmalwieser et al, 2010;Serrano et al, 2009;Siani et al, 2011;Siani et al, 2008;Thieden et al 2005) especially when solar radiation is intense.…”

Personal UV exposure for different outdoor sports

“…These dosimeters have been used effectively for personal UV measurements in outdoor occupations, 25,33 and in recreational activities. [28][29][30] Details of the production and development of the spore films (containing DNA molecules of Bacillus subtilis) can be found at Furusawa et al 34 and Munakata et al.…”

Solar UV exposure of children in a summer school in Valencia, Spain

“…Dosimeters can be used effectively for personal UV measurements in outdoor occupations (Moehrle and Garbe 2000;Serrano et al 2009), recreational activities ( Moehrle and Garbe 2000;Thieden et al 2000;Serrano et al 2010), and school activities (Boldeman et al 2004;Ono et al 2005;Serrano et al 2011). They are easy to place and manage; and have a spectral sensivity profile similar to erythema-weighted data calculated from spectral measurements.…”