Occupational exposure of car guards to solar ultraviolet radiation in Potchefstroom

Abstract

Introduction: Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an unavoidable physical workplace hazard to which outdoor workers such as car guards may be excessively exposed. A potential high risk of excessive exposure increases their cumulative exposure as well as the risk of solar UVR-related negative health effects. The main aim of this study was to quantify the exposure of car guards to solar UVR. Methods: The exposure of outdoor car guards to solar UVR was measured for five consecutive days during early spring (September 2017) in South Africa using electronic UVR dosimeters. One electronic dosimeter was attached to the upper arm of each participant, using adjustable straps. From these measurements, the exposure of the nape of the neck, forehead, nose, cheek and hand were estimated. The onsite ambient solar UVR on a flat, horizontal, unshaded surface was measured concurrently. The sun-related knowledge, behaviour, and attitudes of the car guards were evaluated using questionnaires. Results: All the solar UVR exposure levels are presented in standard erythemal dose (SED) units, where 1 SED = 100 J/m². The median exposure of all the car guards was 0.89 SED, with total daily exposure ranging from 0.02 SED – 5.01 SED. Total personal daily solar UVR exposure as a percentage of the ambient solar UVR exposure (measured on a flat surface) was 24%. The results from the questionnaire indicated that sleeved shirts and hats were the most commonly used sun-protection measures (worn by 70% and 80% respectively) when compared to sunglasses and sunblock (30% and 30% respectively). Most (80%) of the car guards never had sun-safety education and training in either their past or present occupations. As a result, except for skin cancer, they did not know about the health effects of sun exposure, the meaning of the ultraviolet index and its use, or what a sun protection factor is. Conclusion: The exposure of car guards on several body sites was in excess of the TLV. Considering the high levels of solar UVR reported on most days throughout the year in South Africa, more studies quantifying the personal exposure of outdoor workers are necessary. The inclusion of sun-related variables, such as knowledge, behaviour, and attitudes in future studies will strengthen the knowledge base for decision-making and planning of sun awareness campaigns for employers and car guards