People spend a large proportion of their free time outdoors. Be it for recreation in the garden, shopping, or sport activities. In doing so they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation is a part of our everyday live. Exposure to it should however be reduced to a minimum since UV radiation is able to induce skin cancer. Owing to the demographic development of the population and changes in the environment caused by depletion of the ozone layer and the expected increase in the number of hours of sunshine per year due to climate change, a substantial increase in the incidence of skin cancer can be anticipated for the future.
Just as the IFA has already been able to gather results and experience in the field of occupational exposure to solar UV radiation with the Genesis-UV project, we also want to determine the amount of UV exposure during different leisure activities by targeted measurements. In the end, this should result in an overall survey of the population’s exposure to solar radiation.
Why do we do this?
Prevention begins with knowing the level of exposure. Since 2014 we have therefore been collecting data in the occupational environment, so far in over 200 occupations. Light skin cancer can be prevented through prevention. However, protection must also include time spent in private, which is why we expanded our efforts to this area of life.
What have we already achieved?
In 2020 and 2021, we were able to measure twelve different activities, including for example “cycling” or “walking the dog”. A total of more than 600 volunteers took part. The results are currently being evaluated and will be published. In addition, there has already been a pilot project in 2018 and 2019 in which UV exposure was measured while playing football.
More information
Sven Connemann
sven.connemann@dguv.de
