Analysis of the diurnal distribution of Ultraviolet exposure on upper body anatomical sites for outdoor workers

Many workers perform their daily activities outdoors and many anatomical body sites are exposed to UV radiation. The effects of solar radiation on human health depend on the amount and type of radiation impinging on the body. This paper aims to investigate and analyse the diurnal UV radiation exposure at typical anatomical site for farm workers. The diurnal distribution in solar UV exposure at the nape of the neck, forearm, forehead and cheek of farm workers was measured at 15 min intervals for consecutive working days from January to July 2012. The anatomical site most exposed was the nape of the neck. The UV exposure at the nape of the neck indicates that when SEA is about 54°, it may receive maximal exposures depending also on the particular anatomical site orientation and body movements. To better understand the diurnal distribution and variation of UV exposure, a correlation between solar elevation angle and UV exposure was investigated. The correlations were determined for each anatomical body sites with a R in a range between the 0.87 and 0.99. Real time exposure data suggest that it is useful to remind workers of the UV radiation risks associated with spending increased time in the sun exposure. Key-Words: : farm workers, UV radiation, solar elevation angle (SEA), correlation SEA UV exposure