Abstract

The personal distribution of solar erythemal UVexposures to the face, head and neck was investigatedfor a public shade structure in the seasons of winter andsummer. Calculated personal erythemal UV exposures inthe shade during winter ranged from 0.3 SED per day forthe top of the head to 1.8 SED per day for the chin. Incomparison, erythemal UV exposures in the shade duringsummer ranged from 0.3 SED per day for the top of thehead to 4.6 SED per day for the chin. Broadband globaland diffuse erythemal UV was also measured on ahorizontal plane in the open at five minute intervals duringthe winter and summer period. Cumulative daily globaland diffuse erythemal UV exposures for winter were 22±3.8SED and 14±3.0 SED, respectively. While, cumulative dailyexposures for summer were 55±13.6 SED and 42±3.1 SED forglobal and diffuse erythemal UV respectively. From thisresearch it can be concluded that anyone seeking shadeunder this common public shade structure for an extendedperiod of time requires additional protection measuresagainst damaging UV radiation.