Exposure to UV Radiation in Lifeguards on Barcelona's Beaches: An Underestimated Occupational Risk

The development of skin cancer is closely related to high exposure to UV radiation. Lifeguards are at an increased risk of excessive sun exposure. The main objective of this study was to measure the exposure of Barcelona's beach lifeguards to UV radiation. Measurements in the work chair were ta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Actas dermo-sifiliográficas (English ed.) 2024-05, Vol.115 (5), p.T466-T474
Main Authors: Giavedoni, P, Combalia, A, Espinosa, N, Aguilera, J, Puig, S
Format: Article
Language:eng ; spa
Subjects:
Bathing Beaches
Humans
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational Diseases - prevention & control
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Seasons
Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms - etiology
Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control
Spain - epidemiology
Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
Vitamin D - biosynthesis
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Summary:The development of skin cancer is closely related to high exposure to UV radiation. Lifeguards are at an increased risk of excessive sun exposure. The main objective of this study was to measure the exposure of Barcelona's beach lifeguards to UV radiation. Measurements in the work chair were taken every 30min on a typical working day from 10:45 am to 19:15 pm. These measurements were carried out on four different days. These data were used to calculate the erythematous doses received during working hours, as well as those potentially received throughout the summer season. Vitamin D production was also estimated for the four days that the radiation received was measured, and the amount generated was calculated for the entire summer season. Exposure to UV radiation among Barcelona lifeguards far exceeds safety limits. In some locations, the exposure to UVB radiation is more than 16 times the minimum erythematous dose for phototype II skin. This study assessed the radiation received during only four days. However, is a much higher number than most of the published papers. Although the health risks of excessive exposure to UV radiation are known, Barcelona's beach lifeguards are insufficiently protected.
ISSN:1578-2190
DOI:10.1016/j.ad.2024.02.023