Ricerc@Sapienza

An algorithm has been developed to determine the annual dose of UV solar radiation for outdoor workers. The dose is indirectly assessed basing on satellite data, mean global irradiance values, workers' data obtained by means of a questionnaire and corrective coefficients provided by a mathematical model. The values obtained by the use of the algorithm are compared with those obtained by measurement records in different environments. Results demonstrated that the algorithm estimates the mean daily erythemal dose with good approximation.

Solar Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation has positive and negative effects on human body tissues. Small doses of solar UV radiation are needed by the human skin for the activation of the vitamin D production. Overexposure to solar UV radiation can produce acute and long-term negative effects, such as sunburns and, in the worst cases, cataracts and skin cancers. For this reason, knowing the amount of UV doses received by people is essential to evaluate their risk to UV overexposure and to evaluate the adequate countermeasure to avoid the negative effects.

In addition to the many beneficial effects that the solar radiation (SR) has on human beings, the ultraviolet (UV) band can produce several adverse effects to skin and eyes. Both acute and long-term effects are due to UV overexposure and the damage, as well as the risk, increase with the duration of exposure. To reduce the incidence of those risks, outdoor workers should take careful behaviors, reducing the tissues exposition to sun. Nowadays, there are many easy-to-use apps and tools to estimate outdoor exposition with UV-index.

The assessment of UV radiation exposure in outdoor workers is feasible by means of smart sensors that avail of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Using wearable sensors, the single workers' exposure can be effectively assessed in the whole body. This work investigated the best position of the sensor on the workers' body, considering the aim of the sensor, its functioning and workers' comfort.

The aim of this paper is to present the main issues concerning the protection of outdoor workers from UV natural radiation, in order to prevent the UV adverse effects, and to discuss the current measurement tools available for workers, evidencing their deficits. A wearable smart sensor for monitoring the effective exposure of the individual worker is proposed as innovative solution.

Beside some documented benefits attributed to ultraviolet solar radiation (solar UVR), a lot of adverse effects are a consequence of a chronic exposure, including the occurrence of photo-induced skin cancer. Improvement in risks perception, due to UVR overexposure, in the case of occupational or recreational exposure, is of great importance for public health.