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Human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation
Author(s) -
Diffey Brian L
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1046/j.1473-2165.2002.00060.x
Subject(s) - sunlight , noon , sun protection , ultraviolet radiation , sun exposure , casual , environmental science , ultraviolet , sunbathing , atmospheric sciences , medicine , environmental health , dermatology , physics , materials science , optics , chemistry , radiochemistry , composite material
Summary Solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation depends upon the local UV climate, people's behaviour. Behaviour includes the time spent outdoors and the use of photoprotective agents. In adult life, a British indoor worker in the UK might typically receive 30% of his or her annual UV exposure from sun‐seeking holidays, 40% from summer weekends, 20% from casual weekday exposure between April and September and just 10% from sun exposure during the 6 month period October to March. Whilst climatic factors do influence levels of UV radiation (UVR) at the Earth's surface, it is people's behaviour out of doors that has a much greater impact on personal solar UV irradiation. Methods of personal protection include: avoiding direct sunlight in summer around noon; seeking the shade; wearing clothing absorbs UVR; wearing hats that shade face and neck; and using topical sunscreens.