References

1. Thakekara M.P., (1973) Solar energy outside the earth's atmosphere. Solar Energy 14: 109-127.
2. Bird R.E., Hulstrom R.L., Kliman A.W. and Eldering H.G., (1982) Solar spectral measurements in the terrestrial environment. Appl Optics 21: 1430-1436.
3. Joint ISO/CIE Standard ISO 17166:1999/CIE S007-1998 Erythema Reference Action Spectrum and Standard Erythema Dose.
4. CIE Research Note, A reference action spectrum for ultraviolet induced erythema in human skin. CIE J. (1987), 6, 17-22.
5. Gies H.P., Roy C.R., Elliott G. and Zongli W., (1994) Ultraviolet radiation protection factors for clothing. Health Physics 67: 131-139.

Explanation of some UVR-related terms

Cataract - Clouding of the lens of the eye caused by UVR exposure.

EPF - Eye Protection Factor. Applied to sunglasses tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS1067: 1990.

MED - Minimal Erythemal Dose. The amount of UVR exposure required to cause perceptible reddening of the skin of fair-skinned people. MED is not a standard measure of UVR exposure and only considers individuals sensitivity to UVR. One MED is equivalent to an erythemal effective radiant exposure of 200 Jm-2.

Erythema - Reddening of the skin due to UVR exposure, as in sunburn.

Nanometer - (nm) A unit of length that is 10-9 meter, or one billionth of a meter.

Photoconjunctivitus - a painful inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue coating the eyelid and part of the eyeball.

Photokeratitis - a painful inflammation of the cornea of the eye.

SED - Standard Erythemal Dose [3]. The International Committee of Illumination (CIE) [4] undertook a review of the current terminology used to describe erythemal effects. Until recently the term MED was used widely as a measure of erythemal radiation. The term SED was introduced as a standardised measure of erythemal UVR. One SED is equivalent to an erythemal effective radiant exposure of 100 Jm-2.

SPF - Sun Protection Factor. Applied to sunscreens and is a measure of the amount of protection against UVR provided by a sunscreen. Sunscreen SPF ratings are determined by testing sunscreens on the skin of human volunteers in accordance with Australian Standard AS2604: 1998.

Skin cancer - Malignant skin damage due to UVR exposure. Three common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Sunburn - Reddening of the skin due to UVR exposure, also known as erythema.

UPF - Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This value is a measure of the UVR protection provided by a fabric. UPF ratings are determined by testing fabrics in a laboratory in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS4399: 1996.

UVR - Ultraviolet Radiation. Refers to all ultraviolet radiation in the range 100 nanometres to 400 nanometres. Solar UVR that reaches the earth's surface contains radiation in the range 290 to 400 nanometres due to atmospheric

UV-Index - The UV-Index was developed from a joint recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. The UV Index is a unitless number relating to how much solar UVR reaches the earth's surface. The higher the UV-Index the more UVR present and the greater the potential for skin and eye damage. In 2002 the UV Index categories were revised to improve its use as an educational tool to promote sun protection worldwide. The "Global Solar UV Index - A Practical Guide" can be found at the WHO's Intersun web site.