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This study aimed to compare the validity, reliability and practicality of alternative portable methods for measuring erythemal UVR levels in passive recreation areas in public parks. UVR levels were measured for point in time comparisons between Solarmeter 6.5 handheld meters and time-stamped electronic dosimeters in a large central park in Melbourne, Australia. Observations were made at 20 locations in the park by two research assistants under two conditions: (1) matched shade (2) contrasting shade-no shade. Comparisons were also made with scientific instruments on the UVR monitoring station rooftop and by remotely selecting UV records and forecasts on cloud-free dates of park observations. There was good agreement between the portable UVR instruments in the park setting as confirmed via Bland Altman plots, while the dosimeter appeared less sensitive to change in shade conditions. The rooftop measurements showed that the Solarmeter 6.5 UVR readings were comparable to those of the adjacent rooftop instruments. The practicalities of using the dosimeters and Solarmeters for behavioral studies are discussed. These findings provide a basis for use of the Solarmeter 6.5 to measure changes in UVR levels due to different environmental conditions with relative accuracy for intervention studies in outdoor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, a preventable disease caused primarily by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight. Health promotion strategies play a significant role in sun protection. Objectives: To assess the understanding of a population sample as to the time of year that the sun was 'at its most burning' in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using questionnaires completed at corporate skin checks, conducted on 668 participants during 2011 to 2013. Results: Only a minority (n = 82, 12%) gave the correct theoretical answer; the summer solstice or 21-22 December, while another 38% (n = 254) correctly named December and January as the times when the UVR is actually highest. In all, 18% (n = 122) said February was the month when the temperature is hottest and 170 (25%) either mentioned the period May-August when UVR is negligible in Melbourne or had no idea, including saying 'all year round'. There was no significant difference in this knowledge between different age groups. Conclusion: One-quarter of participants did not understand that sunburn was related to high levels of UVR, which occur in summer. Almost one-fifth associated the heat of February with the highest UVR. Understanding these concepts is important for Australians residing in cooler parts of southern Australia, as UVR levels may be high and yet the temperature may be relatively cool. There needs to be more emphasis on UVR in sun awareness campaigns to prompt sun-protective behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring ambient solar UVR levels provides information on how much there is in both real time and historically. Quality assurance of ambient measurements of solar UVR is critical to ensuring accuracy and stability and this can be achieved by regular intercomparisons of spectral measurement systems with those of other organizations. In October and November of 2013 a solar UVR spectroradiometer from Public Health England ( PHE) was brought to Melbourne for a campaign of intercomparisons with a new Bentham spectrometer of Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency ( ARPANSA) and one at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology ( BOM), supported by New Zealand's National Institute for Water and Atmosphere ( NIWA). Given all three spectroradiometers have calibrations that are traceable to various national standards, the intercomparison provides a chance to determine measurement uncertainties and traceability that support UV measurement networks in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. UV Index measurements from all three systems were compared and ratios determined for clear sky conditions when the scans from each instrument were within 2 min of each other. While wavelengths below 305 nm showed substantial differences between the PHE unit and the two other systems, overall the intercomparison results were encouraging, with mean differences in measured UV Index between the BOM/ NIWA and those of PHE and ARPANSA of <0.1% and 7.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the UVR protection provided by shade structures over toddler pools at swimming pool centers in Melbourne. The UVR protection was measured using a combination of UV sensitive polysulfone film to derive an average value during the middle of the day (1-2 P.M.) and handheld UV meters to derive the time variability in UV protection between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. The amount of UVR protection provided by the shade structures depended upon a number of factors such as location, size, and materials used, but generally ranged from a protection factor ( PF) of 2 to ~ 16. The higher PFs were generally for larger structures or where the shade had other structures nearby. The handheld UV meter measurements showed the UV protection varied with position under the shade structure as well as with time of day. While provision of shade structures is becoming more widespread around Australia, improving the shade availability at the pool centers overall, the application of recommendations regarding the provision of shade has been followed to a varying degree by many of the pools visited in this study. In many cases, continued further improvements can be made to provide more adequate protection and further reduce UV exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]