Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is part of the solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface, to which everyone is exposed in varying amounts. Exposure to solar UV radiation is an established risk factor in causing health problems, ranging from skin aging to skin cancers and sun related eye problems, while moderate amounts of solar UV radiation are required to produce vitamin D.
Measurements of solar UV radiation are an essential pillar of research related to the impacts of exposure to UV radiation, the factors controlling its levels, and the subsequent development of effective protection strategies. The atmospherics research group at the University of Southern Queensland has been collecting data and conducting research in the field of solar UV radiation, and managing a suite of devices for this purpose, for more than twenty years.
The research group has published widely peer reviewed articles across multiple domains, including the development of dosimeters for personal exposure measurements, studies on ambient exposure, research on the UV protection provided by shade structures and trees, as well as investigations on the impact of clouds and aerosols on radiation levels.
This brief review summarizes some of the significant outcomes of the University of Southern Queensland, including details of the instrumentation utilized and currently available on site. The review will outline the various research areas and present some of the key findings from the published research.