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Comparison of the solar spectral ultraviolet irradiance in motor vehicles with windows in an open and closed position

Kimlin, Michael G. and Parisi, Alfio V. and Carter, Brad D. and Turnbull, David J. (2002) Comparison of the solar spectral ultraviolet irradiance in motor vehicles with windows in an open and closed position. International Journal of Biometeorology 46(3):pp. 150-156.

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Abstract

The solar ultraviolet (UV) spectrum was measured by a spectroradiometer located inside two common Australian vehicles: a family wagon and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The entrance optics of the spectroradiometer was orientated, in turn, on a horizontal plane, towards the driver and passenger windows and towards the windshield. UV spectra were recorded when the vehicles' windows were in an open and closed position. For a typical Australian family wagon, on a horizontal plane inside the vehicle, closing the windows decreased, the total UV irradiance by a factor of 3.2, whilst in a four-wheel drive the irradiance decreased by a factor of 2.1. In order to reduce the likelihood of developing of UV-related eye and skin disorders, drivers should use appropriate UV protection whilst driving a vehicle with the windows in an open position. Results gained from this research provide new findings on the exposure of humans to UV in a vehicle.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Subjects:210000 Science - General
ID Code:8067
Deposited By:Field, Sharyn G
Deposited On:13 June 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00484-002-0131-5
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2002 Springer
Copyright Statement:The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
Additional Information:For more information, please refer to the journal's website (see hypertext link) or contact the author.