Ultraviolet radiation exposure of schoolchildren in a rural location in south east Queensland

Abstract

Queensland has the highest rates of non-melanoma skin cancer and cutaneous malignant melanoma in the world. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly in childhood and adolecent years is a major risk factor in the development of skin cancer. South east Queensland's low latitudes and relatively clear skies combine to give high levels of solar UV. Simple UV protective measures such as wearing a hat can reduce the UV exposure of humans significantly. This paper will quantify the effect of UV protective devices, in particular hats and also quantify the UV exposure of schoolchildren during the times of day spent outdoors with and without a hat. Results are presented on the effect of the style of hat worn on the facial UV exposure to schoolchildren in Toowoomba.