The use of real-time ultraviolet radiation data to modify the UV exposure of primary schoolchildren

Schoolchildren in their everyday school life are exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This may be through time spent outdoors whilst having meal breaks, physical education classes or other outdoor class orientated activities. This research, conducted at the University of Southern Queensland, investigates the UV exposure of schoolchildren and the effect real-time UV irradiances data and an associated software package, UVGUIDE, have on their personal UV exposure. The software utilises scientifically collected data, such as facial distribution of UV, as well as accessing real-time on-line UV irradiances data to estimate the UV distribution to the head region. The students can also enter other parameters such as hat usage and hat type to show the effect on their facial UV distribution of using such a UV protective device.