Applicability of the Polysulphone Horizontal Calibration to Differently Inclined Dosimeters

• Published in: Photochemistry and photobiology 2012-01, Vol.88 (1), p.207-214
• Main Authors: Casale, Giuseppe R., Siani, Anna Maria, Diémoz, Henri, Kimlin, Michael G., Colosimo, Alfredo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calibration; Photobiology; Polymers - chemistry; Spectrum analysis; Sulfones - chemistry; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays
• ISSN: 0031-8655; 1751-1097
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2011.01006.x

Polysulphone (PS) dosimetry has been a widely used technique for more than 30 years to quantify the erythemally effective UV dose received by anatomic sites (personal exposure). The calibration of PS dosimeters is an important issue as their spectral response is different from the erythemal action spectrum. It is performed exposing a set of PS dosimeters on a horizontal plane and measuring the UV doses received by dosimeters using calibrated spectroradiometers or radiometers. In this study, data collected during PS field campaigns (from 2004 to 2006), using horizontal and differently inclined dosimeters, were analyzed to provide some considerations on the transfer of the horizontal calibration to differently inclined dosimeters, as anatomic sites usually are. The role of sky conditions, of the angle of incidence between the sun and the normal to the slope, and of the type of surrounding surface on the calibration were investigated. It was concluded that PS horizontal calibrations apply to differently inclined dosimeters for incidence angles up to approximately 70° and for surfaces excluding ones with high albedo. Caution should be used in the application of horizontal calibrations for cases of high‐incidence angle and/or high albedo surfaces. Polysulphone (PS) dosimetry has been used for more than 30 years to quantitate the erythemally effective personal doses received by anatomic sites. The calibration of PS dosimeters is performed exposing a set of PS dosimeters on a horizontal plane and measuring meanwhile the UV doses received using calibrated instruments. In this study, data collected during field campaigns, using horizontal and tilted dosimeters, were analyzed to investigate the applicability of the horizontal calibration to differently inclined dosimeters, as anatomic sites usually are. Caution should be used when the calibration is performed under high incidence angle and/or high albedo.