Measured Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures of Outdoor Workers in Queensland in the Building and Construction Industry¶

A Case Study of UV Exposure Risk in Sydney during the 2019/2020 New South Wales Bushfires

During summer 2019/2020, Sydney, Australia, experienced several days of extreme air pollution and low visibility due to bushfires. This research presents a case study that investigates the erythemal UV irradiance and resulting one-hour erythemal and 8-hour actinic exposures during the worst of these days. Air quality, meteorological and UV data used in the analysis was readily available online or by request from governmental agencies. Analysis showed that even for the lowest visibility day (which had a minimum visibility of less than a kilometre) on 10^th December 2019, there was a cumulative one-hour erythemal UV exposure of over 4 SED (Standard Erythema Dose) and a cumulative 8-hour exposure of 17 SED by the late afternoon. The one-hour exposure exceeded that for a minimum erythemal dose. Even on this extremely hazy day, these cumulative exposures are enough to exceed the recommended daily exposure limit for actinic exposures weighted with the health sensitivity spectrum for the skin and eyes set by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Improved protection of outdoor workers from solar ultraviolet radiation: position statement

The vast majority of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is attributable to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Outdoor workers are exposed to an UVR dose at least 2 to 3 times higher than indoor workers and often to daily UVR doses 5 times above internationally recommended limits. The risk of UVR workplace exposure is vastly neglected, and the evident future challenges presented in this statement are contrasted with the current situation regarding legal recognition, patient care and compensation. While prevention is crucial to reduce cancer risks for outdoor workers, it is as much of relevance to better protect them through legally binding rules and regulations. Specific actions are outlined in five recommendations based on a Call to Action (table 1). The role of health professionals, including dermatologists, in this context is crucial.

Exposure to solar UV radiation in outdoor construction workers using personal dosimetry

Occupational exposure to solar UV radiation (SUVR), a Group 1 carcinogen according to the IARC classification is at high exposure levels in outdoor construction workers, usually above the suggested occupational limits. Furthermore, there are no regulations related to this exposure in the EU, except for the artificial UVR. Also, the use of the ICNIRP exposure guideline in an outdoor setting poses problems of adequate dose assessment. In this context, the main purpose of the study was to perform direct measurements of the SUVR dose in outdoor workers from the construction sector, using individual SUVR dosimeters (GENESIS-UV system), for a period of 7 months, from April to October, in a prospective, observational study in two groups of 10 outdoor workers in Romania, located at two different geographic sites. In term of cumulative standard erythema dose (SED), our study population of outdoor construction workers received high levels of solar UV radiation, ranging from 165 SED to 453 SED during 7 months of occupational activity, from April to October. Our results, ranging from 1.28 SED (standard erythema dose) per day to 6.4 SED per day pose an alarm signal to the national and European health authorities to take preventive action for outdoor workers, as the ICNIRP suggested limit value of 1.33 SED for mean daily erythemal UV exposure is vastly exceeded. We suggest that personal dosimetry for SUVR, from simple devices to complex systems as GENESIS-UV should be regularly and mandatory used in outdoor workers, similarly to the usage of personal dosimetry in occupational exposure to ionizing radiations, which could be included in European and national legislation to reduce both, the level of exposure and the detrimental effects on outdoor workers' health.

Factors associated with risky sun exposure behaviors among operating engineers

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with sun exposure behaviors among Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators).

METHODS

Operating Engineers (N = 498) were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine health behavioral, perceptional, and demographic factors associated with sun exposure behavior (sun burns, blistering, use of sunscreen, and interest in sun protection services).

RESULTS

Almost half reported two or more sunburns/summer and the median times blistering was 2 with a range of 0-100. About one-third never used sun block, while just over one-third rarely used sun block. Almost one-quarter were interested in sun protection guidance. Multivariate analyses showed that perceptions of skin type, alcohol problems, fruit intake, BMI, sleep quality, age, sex, and race were significantly associated with at least one of the outcome variables (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Operating Engineers are at high risk for skin cancer due to high rates of exposure to ultraviolet light and low rates of sun block use. Subgroups of Operating Engineers are particularly at risk for sun damage. Interventions are needed to decrease sun exposure among Operating Engineers.

Outdoor workers' acceptance of personal protective measures against solar ultraviolet radiation

The acceptance and usability of personal protection against solar UV radiation was evaluated in a field study with a group of tinsmiths in Austria. The personal protective measures (PPM) tested involved four categories: shirts, headwear, sunglasses and topically applied sunscreens; at least six different products per category were tested. Recommendations for the "ideal" shirt, headwear, pair of sunglasses and topical sunscreen are given based on data from questionnaires, i.e., from the point of view of the workers, independently from the actual physical level of protection (such as low transmittance or area of coverage) provided. It is argued that in practice it is important to consider the acceptance and usability of protective measures as well as the level of physical protection when providing PPM.

A behavioral model for estimating population exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation

Determining the variability of solar UV exposure of different members of a population by direct measurement demands high compliance over an extended period of time by a large number of people. An alternative approach is to model the variables that affect personal exposure and this is the basis of the method reported here, which uses a random sampling technique to explore variability of exposure at different times of the year by habitués. It is shown that there are large variations in daily personal erythemal exposure, more so for indoor workers living in northern Europe than those resident in Florida, which are due not only to seasonal changes in ambient, but just as importantly to seasonal variation in behavior. Not surprisingly, holiday and summer weekend exposure account for the largest daily UV doses. Northern Europeans who take their summer vacation in Florida can double their exposure during this period compared with holidaying at home and this illustrates just how important sun protection measures should be during recreational exposure in areas of high insolation if the annual UV burden is to be sensibly controlled.