Ultraviolet Radiation –Radiation of greatest threat but least concern

Ultraviolet Radiation
Radiation of greatest threat but least concern

Presented by: Kerryn King

PRESENTER BIO
Kerryn is a Scientist at ARPANSA with over 10 years' experience in Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) measurement and assessment, and occupational safety. She has wide-ranging knowledge of radiation protection and has played a leading role in advancing radiation protection nationally.

Kerryn is a member of ARPANSA’s UVR team that performs measurements on the effectiveness of a range of commercial products that provide protection from solar UVR. She provides UVR protection advice and undertakes risk assessments of artificial and solar UVR in the public and occupational settings.

Kerryn represents ARPANSA on 3 separate sun protection Standards Australia committees for eye and face protection (includes sunglasses) (SF-006), sun protective clothing (TX-021) and sunscreens (CS-042). In these committees she has been instrumental in promoting best practice in UVR protection and prevention.

ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) is the radiation of greatest threat but least concern to the public, because they are exposed to it every time they step outside during work, rest or recreation. However, it is also the causative agent for the greatest number of deaths from radiation in Australia.  Solar UVR exposures are recommended by many doctors to generate vitamin D, while social marketing implies that tans are healthy. Sunlight is natural, and there is a latency between exposures and cancer; these factors encourage people to seek exposures and minimise the use of known protections. 

he ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation (RPS 12) (2006) is the only document that identifies both artificial and natural (uncontrolled) sunlight UVR exposures.  ARPANSA regulates commonwealth entities that hold and use artificial UVR sources in occupational settings to this standard, however it is only regarded as a guidance document in the states and territories. Aside from commercial solaria and UVR lasers, UVR is the only artificial radiation which is not regulated by states and territories. Instead, regulation falls under Work Health and Safety regulations which attempt to cover the risks of UVR in workplace. Most guidance material is around solar UVR for outdoor workers, which is the results in the greatest exposures.

This webinar will talk about regulation, sources and means of protection.