Strategic Task and Break Timing to Reduce Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Outdoor Workers

Peters, Cheryl; Tenkate, Thomas; Heer, Emily; O’Reilly, Rachel; Kalia, Sunil; Koehoorn, Mieke

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00354

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…In another study, as an important contribution, the authors suggested that sun exposure could be reduced substantially by implementing rational, strategic interruptions to the working day. If performed optimally, this approach could achieve a reduction of 0.18 SED per hour, a total of 15.9% less sun exposure during the day 29…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk assessment of occupational skin cancer among outdoor workers in southern Spain: local pilot study

Troya-Martín¹,

Aguilar²,

Aguilera

et al. 2022

Occup Environ Med

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ObjectiveOverexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main preventable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor workers, exposed to the sun for many hours throughout their working lives, are at special risk. The aim of this study is to determine occupational photoexposure and photoprotection among outdoor workers employed by a municipality in southern Spain.MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study focusing on outdoor workers employed by the municipality of Fuengirola (in areas such as construction, gardening, urban cleaning and beach maintenance). The participants were monitored by personal dosimetry, participated in a dermatological check-up and answered a validated questionnaire (CHACES) on their habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure.ResultsThe median effective erythema dose of exposure to solar UV radiation during the working day (n=20) was 379.4 J/m2, equivalent to 3.8 standard erythema doses, almost 3 times higher than the recommended limits for an 8-hour workday. Skin examination (n=128) revealed the presence of actinic lentigines (79.7%), actinic keratoses (8.6%) and skin cancer (3.9%). The CHACES questionnaire (n=128) revealed a sunburn rate of 50.0%. Photoprotection practices were markedly deficient: only 16.7% of the survey respondents sought protection in the shade, 20.3% avoided exposure during the peak exposure hours and 33.1% applied sunscreen.ConclusionsThis is the first study to evaluate UV radiation exposure, occupational sun protection practices, sunburn and actinic injuries of different outdoor workers in one of the sunniest regions of Spain and underlines the need for effective interventions to protect outdoor workers’ health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk assessment of occupational skin cancer among outdoor workers in southern Spain: local pilot study

Troya-Martín¹,

Aguilar²,

Aguilera

et al. 2022

Occup Environ Med

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“…Patients were categorized into four groups based on skin disease: (1) skin cancer, actinic keratosis, and/or other precancerous skin diseases, (2) hyperpigmentary skin disorders such as melasma, freckle, and lentigo, (3) hypopigmentary skin disorders such as vitiligo, and (4) other and unspecified skin diseases such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or keloid. This categorization was based on diseases expected to be most significantly affected by UV radiation (skin cancer, hyperpigmentary skin disorders, and hypopigmentary skin disorders), including those with insufficient evidence of association with UV radiation (other and unspecified skin diseases) 1–9,21 . Patients who could not understand or answer the questionnaire due to their education level were excluded.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3,5 Studies have shown that these diseases are more prevalent in outdoor workers, occur more frequently in whites, and are more common in the face, an area of high exposure to sunlight. 6,7 In addition, hyperpigmentary disorders, such as melasma, freckles, and lentigines, are mainly attributed to sun exposure. 8 Although the exact cause of hypopigmentation disorders, such as vitiligo, is not clear, external stimuli such as UV radiation are known to be involved in melanocyte destruction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, UV radiation is known to cause genetic mutations related to tumor development in conditions such as actinic keratosis and skin cancer 3,5 . Studies have shown that these diseases are more prevalent in outdoor workers, occur more frequently in whites, and are more common in the face, an area of high exposure to sunlight 6,7 . In addition, hyperpigmentary disorders, such as melasma, freckles, and lentigines, are mainly attributed to sun exposure 8 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge and the behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin disease

Jo,

Kim,

Lee

et al. 2024

Photoderm Photoimm Photomed

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BackgroundPhotoprotection is crucial in preventing the development and progression of various skin diseases. However, patients with skin disease have limited awareness of photoprotection. We evaluated the knowledge and behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin diseases.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 11 general hospitals across South Korea. The study population consisted of patients aged 19 years or older who visited dermatologic clinics for their skin diseases. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect patient demographics, knowledge of photoprotection, and photoprotective habits.ResultsIn this study, 1173 patients with skin cancer, hyperpigmentary disorders, hypopigmentary disorders, or other skin diseases participated. Females scored significantly higher in knowledge of photoprotection compared to males (mean score 8.4 vs. 7.8; p < .001), and younger patients (<50 years) scored higher than older patients (mean score 8.7 vs. 7.5; p < .001). Males also reported longer sun exposure times and lower usage of photoprotective measures (both p < .001). Patients with skin cancer had the lowest mean knowledge score (7.1 ± 2.6) and were less likely to use photoprotective measures compared to other groups (p < .001). In contrast, patients with hyperpigmentation actively avoided sun exposure compared with other groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionsKnowledge of photoprotection among Korean patients with skin diseases varied depending on the gender, age, and type of skin disease. Their photoprotective behaviors were inadequate, especially among males and those with skin cancer. These findings emphasize the importance of educating and tailoring photoprotection strategies for patients with skin diseases.

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“… 30 Providing shaded areas for breaks and task rotation/flexibility during peak UVR hours may be more effective than relying on personal protective behaviours. 31 There is also no good evidence as to the effectiveness of these approaches in preventing skin cancer. For example, Sanchez et al .…”

Section: Workplace Exposure To Uv Radiation and Risk Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workplace exposure to UV radiation and strategies to minimize cancer risk

Cherrie

2022

British Medical Bulletin

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Background Workplace exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) causes malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The evidence for beneficial effects of solar UV exposure in reducing the risks for other cancers is increasing. The intensity of UV radiation at the Earth’s surface is dependent on latitude, but even in northern European countries exposure can be high enough for outdoor work to cause skin cancer. Growing points Awareness of the health risks and benefits of occupational solar UV exposure is poor. Actions to reduce the risk of skin cancer have been identified and employers should recognize their responsibility to actively manage these risks. There is evidence for reduced risks for breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer and possibly other cancers linked to solar UV exposure. Sources of data This narrative review draws on published scientific articles and material designed to assist identifying strategies to protect workers from solar UV exposure. Areas of agreement Solar UV exposure can be harmful. Wavelengths in the UVB range are more effective in causing erythema and DNA damage. Solar UV is the main source of vitamin D for most people. Primary and secondary prevention for skin cancer can potentially eliminate these risks but the evidence for effectiveness is limited. Areas of controversy Potential health benefits of UV exposure, particularly for reduced cancer risk. Determining and communicating optimal exposure to maximize health benefits. The risk of non-melanoma skin cancers may be more than doubled for some workers in temperate latitudes. Areas timely for developing research Exposure-response epidemiological studies; studies of the health benefits of occupational UV exposure; studies of the effectiveness of intervention strategies to prevent skin cancer. Use of low-cost UV sensors in workplaces.

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Strategic Task and Break Timing to Reduce Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Outdoor Workers

Cited by 7 publications

References 25 publications

Risk assessment of occupational skin cancer among outdoor workers in southern Spain: local pilot study

Risk assessment of occupational skin cancer among outdoor workers in southern Spain: local pilot study

Knowledge and the behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin disease

Workplace exposure to UV radiation and strategies to minimize cancer risk

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