Measurement of UVA exposure to solar radiation

Abstract

Exposure to solar UVA radiation can lead to damage of DNA and other types of skin disorder. Conventional dosimetry using a single piece of polysulphone or CR-39 cannot provide accurate measurement of biologically effective irradiance for erythema for the UVA waveband. A package employing four dosimeters: polysulphone, nalidixic acid, 8-methoxypsoralen and phenothiazine has been shown to be effective for usage as a spectrum evaluator for evaluating the UVA source spectrum. In Brisbane, on a horizontal position, the spectrum evaluator requires about 5 minutes exposure in summer and about 20 minutes in winter. This amounts to about 10 mJ cm-2 of erythema UV.