Protective Measures From Solar Ultraviolet Radiation for Beach Lifeguards in Tuscany (Italy): Shade and Clothing Strategies

Overview

Journal Saf Health Work

Date 2022 Dec 29

PMID 36579014

Authors

Daniele Grifoni

Giulio Betti

Andrea Bogi

Lucia Bramanti

Alessandra Chiarugi

Bernardo Gozzini

Marco Morabito

Francesco Picciolo

Francesco Sabatini

Lucia Miligi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is a significant risk factor generally underestimated by outdoor workers and employers. Several studies have pointed out that occupational solar exposure increased eye and skin diseases with a considerable impact on the lives and productivity of affected workers.The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness against ultraviolet radiation of some measures recently undertaken for the protection of lifeguards in a coastal area of Tuscany.

Methods: Different shading structures (gazebos and beach umbrella) were tested during a sunny summer's day on a sandy beach by means of two radiometers; the UV protection offered by some T-shirts used by lifeguards was also tested in the laboratory with a spectrophotometer.

Results: The analysed shading structures strongly reduced the ultraviolet radiation by up to 90%, however a not always negligible diffuse radiation is also present in the shade, requiring further protective measures (T-shirt, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.); the tested T-shirts showed a very good-excellent protection according to the Australian/New Zealand standard.

Conclusion: Results obtained in this study suggest how the adoption and dissemination of good practices, including those tested, could be particularly effective as a primary prevention for lifeguards who are subjected to very high levels of radiation for long periods.

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