| Outdoor workers are routinely unprotected from solar UVR, which can result in health effects. Approximately 5 ft from the ground Actinic (effective) were measured within an open field at Bowling Green, Ohio. Measurements occurred on 10 days during the period of October - December, 2007. UVR levels were determined for the directions of up (0.601), down-asphalt (0.121 microW/cm 2), down-grass (0.078 microW/cm2), down-snow (0.396 microW/cm2), north (0.243 microW/cm2), south (0.767 microW/cm2), east (0.362 microW/cm2), west (0.332 microW/cm2), and toward the sun (0.935 microW/cm 2). When the sun is 100% or up to 75% cloud-free, one can predict the UVR irradiance exposures and maximum allowable exposure times (MAETs). When the sun is < 75% cloud-free, one can no longer make accurate predictions according to statistical analysis used in this study. This research indicates that outdoor workers are exposed to solar UVR at or above the ACGIH (2008) criteria during their 8-hr workshift, which means that the hazard needs to be controlled to protect workers; this may be done by wearing protective clothing, reducing the exposure time or applying other appropriate control methods. |
