Assessing the cumulative solar radiation exposure among outdoor workers: presentation of a method for epidemiological studies

So far, few studies on occupational risk related to Solar Radiation (SR) in outdoor workers have attempted to retrace a detailed history of individual exposure. We propose a new method for the evaluation of the SR cumulative exposure both during work and leisure time, integrating subjective and objective exposure data. The former are collected with a questionnaire, which investigates in detail work and leisure activities during life. The latter are available through internet databases for many geographical regions and provide an estimate of the SR on the Earth's surface in specific areas and periods. These data will be integrated in a mathematical model, in order to obtain an esteem of the individual total amount of SR the subjects have been exposed to during their life. This personal exposure index can be used to evaluate specific correlations with the biological effects and to weigh the role of the personal and environmental factors that can increase or reduce SR exposure.