Personal Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure of Farmworkers: Seasonal and Anatomical Differences Suggest Prevention Measures Are Required

Abstract

Introduction Farmworkers are at risk of excess exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during their work activities, especially if they work in geographical areas with high ambient solar UVR levels such as in South Africa. Excess exposure to solar UVR may lead to several negative health effects such as certain cataracts and skin cancer. This study evaluated personal solar UVR exposure of a group of farmworkers to determine if they were at risk of health-related problems due to excess solar UVR exposure. Methods Polysulphone film (PSF) badges were placed on the shoulder, arm, and top of the head of outdoor and indoor farmworkers on a macadamia nut and avocado farm in the Limpopo province for the duration of their daily work shift to evaluate their total daily solar UVR exposure. Sixteen days were assessed for each of the three, high solar UVR seasons, i.e. autumn, spring, and summer. Results During autumn, farmworkers’ arms received the highest solar UVR exposures (geometric mean (GM) = 7.8 SED, where 1 standard erythemal dose (SED) = 100 J/m2, 95% CI 6.1–9.8 SED) while the highest exposures were on the top of the head during spring (GM = 11.6 SED, 95% CI 7.3–17.4 SED) and summer (GM = 13.9, 95% CI 10.4–17.9 SED). Statistically significant differences in solar UVR exposure were found between the body sites during spring and summer but not autumn. Conclusions The relatively high daily solar UVR exposure levels of farmworkers suggest this occupational group is at risk of excess solar UVR exposure and preventive measures with awareness information to safeguard health is necessary for employers and employees.

Assessment of sunlight exposure across industries and occupations using blood vitamin D as a biomarker

“…Regarding occupational factors, in the current study, those in the armed forces, construction workers, and agricultural workers showed high exceedance fractions, which is consistent with previous studies 15,16,32 . Furthermore, we were able to account for the variability within the industry.…”

“…Regarding occupational factors, in the current study, those in the armed forces, construction workers, and agricultural workers showed high exceedance fractions, which is consistent with previous studies. 15 , 16 , 32 Furthermore, we were able to account for the variability within the industry. For instance, we differentiated skilled agricultural workers (exceedance fraction = 0.33) and professional workers (exceedance fraction =0.14) who were all assigned to a common “agriculture, forestry, and fishery” industry (Table 3 ).…”

“… 14 Exposure to UV radiation in the construction sector, agricultural sector, and other occupations has been measured using the SED. 14 , 15 …”

“…Outdoor workers commonly exceed the occupational limit of 30 J/m 2 for a working day (8 h) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 14 . Exposure to UV radiation in the construction sector, agricultural sector, and other occupations has been measured using the SED 14,15 …”

“…14 Exposure to UV radiation in the construction sector, agricultural sector, and other occupations has been measured using the SED. 14,15 Some studies have used blood vitamin D levels as a biomarker of exposure. 16 These studies have usually been focused on jobs where high exposure is likely to occur.…”