Abstract
The performance limits of electronic ultraviolet (EUV) dosimeters, which use AlGaN Schottky photodiodes as the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensing element to measure personal erythemally weighted UVR exposures, were investigated via a direct comparison with meteorological-grade reference instruments. EUV dosimeters with two types of AlGaN Schottky photodiode were compared to second-generation ‘Robertson–Berger type’ broadband erythemal radiometers. This comparison was done by calculating correction factors for the deviations of the spectral responsivity of each instrument from the CIE erythemal action spectrum and for deviations in their angular response from the ideal cosine response of flat surfaces and human skin. Correction factors were also calculated to convert the output of these instruments to vitamin D-weighted UV irradiances. These comparisons showed that EUV dosimeters can be engineered with spectral responsivities and cosine response errors approaching those of Robertson–Berger type radiometers, making them very acceptable for use in human UVR exposure and sun safety behaviour studies, provided appropriate side-by-side calibrations are performed. Examples of these calibrations and the effect of EUV dosimeter sampling rates on the calculation of received erythemal UVR doses and erythemal UVR dose rates are provided, as well as brief descriptions of their use in primary skin cancer prevention programmes, handheld meters, and public health displays.
Highlights
New Zealand has a unique climatology and population demographic that makes it an interesting environment for research into the risks and benefits of solar radiation exposure in the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) part of the spectrum
There is no clear public health consensus concerning the optimal levels of UVR exposure needed to maintain desirable vitamin
The performance of the electronic UV (EUV) dosimeters was evaluated by comparing their spectral mismatch and cosine response errors with those of a commonly used, meteorological grade instrument
Summary
New Zealand has a unique climatology and population demographic that makes it an interesting environment for research into the risks and benefits of solar radiation exposure in the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) part of the spectrum. The health benefits of UVR exposure in helping to maintain sufficient levels of vitamin D, especially during winter months, have attracted increasing interest in recent years, the extent of these benefits remain controversial [3,4,5]. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a range of health issues including increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and breast/bowel cancer, but to date there is a lack of conclusive evidence for causality [7,8]. There is no clear public health consensus concerning the optimal levels of UVR exposure needed to maintain desirable vitamin
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