Outdoor work and solar radiation exposure: Evaluation method for epidemiological studies.
BACKGROUND
The health risk related to an excessive exposure to solar radiation (SR) is well known. The Sun represents the main exposure source for all the frequency bands of optical radiation, that is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging between 100 nm and 1 mm, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) and visible radiation. According to recent studies, outdoor workers have a relevant exposure to SR but few studies available in scientific literature have attempted to retrace a detailed history of individual exposure.


METHODS
We propose a new method for the evaluation of SR cumulative exposure both during work and leisure time, integrating subjective and objective data. The former is collected by means of an interviewer administrated questionnaire. The latter is available through the Internet databases for many geographical regions and through individual exposure measurements. The data is integrated into a mathematical algorithm, in order to obtain an esteem of the individual total amount of SR the subjects have been exposed to during their lives.


RESULTS
The questionnaire has been tested for 58 voluntary subjects. Environmental exposure data through online databases has been collected for 3 different places in Italy in 2012. Individual exposure by electronic UV dosimeter has been measured in 6 fishermen. A mathematical algorithm integrating subjective and objective data has been elaborated.


CONCLUSIONS
The method proposed may be used in epidemiological studies to evaluate specific correlations with biological effects of SR and to weigh the role of the personal and environmental factors that may increase or reduce SR exposure. Med Pr 2016;67(5):577-587.
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy (Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Chair of Occupational Medicine). albertomodenese1@gmail.com.
Alberto
A
Modenese
University of Rome "Sapienza," Rome, Italy (Department of Astronautic, Electric and Energetic Engineering). fabio.bisegna@uniroma1.it.
Fabio
F
Bisegna
National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Italy (Research Sector, Department of Occupational Hygiene). m.borra@inail.it.
Massimo
M
Borra
National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Italy (Research Sector, Department of Occupational Medicine). ca.grandi@inail.it.
Carlo
C
Grandi
University of Rome "Sapienza," Rome, Italy (Department of Astronautic, Electric and Energetic Engineering). franco.gugliermetti@uniroma1.it.
Franco
F
Gugliermetti
National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Italy (Research Sector, Department of Occupational Hygiene). a.militello@inail.it.
Andrea
A
Militello
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy (Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Chair of Occupational Medicine). f.gobba@unimore.it.
Fabriziomaria
F
Gobba
D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
exposure assessment; occupational exposure; optical radiation; outdoor work; solar radiation; ultraviolet radiation