There is currently limited measurement data investigating how human behaviour and motion modifies solar UVR exposure. The UV Index is usually measured and reported using stationary detectors on a horizontal surface with an unobstructed view of the sky, while human exposure occurs over irregular body surfaces in diverse local environments. The changing orientation of anatomical sites during movement of live subjects makes quantification of human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) a difficult task.
Various types of body-worn dosimeters, including polysulphone film badges, spore dosimeters and multiple types of electronic dosimeters, have been developed and used over many years to monitor human exposure to UVR. Typically, a single dosimeter is used per human subject, and although a few studies have used up to six, larger numbers of dosimeters have generally only been used on surfaces of manikins. The use of multiple sensors on active human subjects to acquire time resolved exposure data is a unique aspect of this work.
In this study, small electronic dosimeters were used to measure broadband solar UVR every 15 seconds at thirty-one body sites on two human subjects as they move through the environment. Construction of the solar sensor suit, a wearable garment with strategically placed UVR sensors, will be described, along with measurement results demonstrating its capabilities. Early trials indicate that this is a useful tool for public engagement and promotion of sun safety messaging while also acquiring interesting time-resolved and anatomically specific UVR exposure data.