Classroom teachers and occupational UV exposure characteristics: Toowoomba and Townsville
Paper
Paper/Presentation Title | Classroom teachers and occupational UV exposure characteristics: Toowoomba and Townsville |
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Presentation Type | Paper |
Authors | Downs, Nathan (Author), Harrison, Simone (Author), Garzon Chavez, Daniel (Author) and Parisi, Alfio (Author) |
Journal or Proceedings Title | Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on UV and Skin Cancer Prevention |
Number of Pages | 1 |
Year | 2015 |
Web Address (URL) of Paper | http://uvandskincancer2015.org/ |
Conference/Event | 3rd International Conference on UV and Skin Cancer Prevention 2015 |
Event Details | 3rd International Conference on UV and Skin Cancer Prevention 2015 Event Date 07 to end of 11 Dec 2015 Event Location Melbourne, Victoria |
Abstract | Introduction: Personal exposure to solar Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a significant risk factor for the development of both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and non-melanocytic skin cancers (NMSC). UVR dosimeter studies have been invaluable in establishing occupational exposure guidelines for relevant industries, and of considerable interest to relevant workers unions. The occupational UVR exposure standard weighted to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection spectral standard for workers (and teachers) is 30 Joules per m2 per day (Jm-2). Methods: We investigated the occupational UVR exposure of teachers from two Queensland cities with contrasting climates. A convenience sample of 57 teachers and teacher-aides were recruited from 6 schools in Queensland (n=3 in Townsville, 19o16’S; n=3 in Toowoomba, 27o30’S). The participants were employed in both Primary and High School settings. Their occupational exposure patterns were documented and UVR dosimeter measurements were undertaken over a 10-day period in late November 2014. Outcomes: Solar UVR exposure patterns displayed similar trends across schools in both Townsville and Toowoomba and were strongly linked to midday meal-break times. UVR exposures ranged from 0 to 270 minutes per day. Relevance: Many studies have measured UVR exposure received by Physical Education (outdoor) teachers. This research presents new information on objectively-measured UVR exposure patterns of teachers and teacher-aides in the skin cancer-prone state of Queensland, who are generally identified as being predominantly indoor classroom teachers. |
Keywords | skin cancer; occupation; prevention; teachers; UV exposure |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420605. Preventative health care |
350505. Occupational and workplace health and safety | |
519999. Other physical sciences not elsewhere classified | |
Byline Affiliations | School of Agricultural, Computational and Environmental Sciences |
James Cook University | |
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q33wq/classroom-teachers-and-occupational-uv-exposure-characteristics-toowoomba-and-townsville
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