Comparing variations in the UV facial exposure received by school children in south-east Queensland

Abstract

The study examines and compares the protective effectiveness of broad-brimmed hats at reducing the received solar ultraviolet facial exposure when worn by students while playing outdoor sport within a school environment. The preliminary results of a 12 month study program to investigate variation in facial exposure when playing basketball and soccer at a coastal location in South-East Queensland are presented. Facial cheek exposures were shown to be reduced significantly when broad-brimmed hats were used while playing soccer during both clear sky and overcast conditions. Maximum exposure levels received by school children were also shown to be less than those recorded by a rotating manikin headform when playing both basketball and soccer.