Solar UVR Measurements

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry 1996-05, Vol.64 (3), p.179-188
• Main Author: DRISCOLL, C. M. H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied radiobiology (equipment, dosimetry...); Biological and medical sciences; Biological effects of radiation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Tissues, organs and organisms biophysics
• ISSN: 0144-8420; 1742-3406
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a031572

The main source of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the sum and individual habits with respect to solar radiation exposure are important in assessing personal risk associated with UVR exposure. Measurements of solar radiation have been made worldwide for many years to obtain information regarding terrestrial solar UVR. Many of these measurement programmes have been concerned with environmental issues, such as predicted increases in UVR due to stratospheric ozone depletion. However, generally these measurements have not been coordinated and provide only a limited data base on personal exposure to solar UVR for epidemiological studies. In addition, few programmes have involved continuous measurements over long periods, most measurements being made sporadically on a range of instruments with little or no interlaboratory comparisons. Within the UK, the National Radiological Protection Board has measured visible, ultraviolet UVA and erythemally weighted UVR from the sun simultaneously and continuously using broad-band detectors at Chilton (latitude (50 oN), Leeds ((54 oN) and Glasgow ((56 oN) since May 1988. During the past few years, the measurement network has been extended to cover the range of latitudes (from (50 oN to (60 oN at approximately every 2 o of latitude) appropriate to the whole of the UK. This was achieved by establishing additional measurement sites at Meteorological Office locations at Camborne ((50 oN), Kinloss ((58 oN) and Lerwick ((60 oN). In addition, spectroradiometric measurements have commenced on a continual basis at Chilton and Glasgow. All these measurements are intended to provide information regarding the range of variation of solar radiation at different latitudes in the UK with the time of day and year and to establish baseline levels for natural UVR.