Review

Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure among outdoor workers: State of the evidence and recommendations

Karen Glanz^1*, David B Buller² and Mona Saraiya³

• * Corresponding author: Karen Glanz kglanz@sph.emory.edu

Author Affiliations

¹ Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA

² Klein Buendel, Golden, Colorado, USA

³ Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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Environmental Health 2007, 6:22 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-6-22

Published: 8 August 2007

Abstract

Objective

Outdoor workers have high levels of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the associated increased risk of skin cancer. This paper describes a review of: 1) descriptive data about outdoor workers' sun exposure and protection and related knowledge, attitudes, and policies and 2) evidence about the effectiveness of skin cancer prevention interventions in outdoor workplaces.

Data sources

Systematic evidence-based review.

Data synthesis

We found variable preventive practices, with men more likely to wear hats and protective clothing and women more likely to use sunscreen. Few data document education and prevention policies.

Conclusion

Reports of interventions to promote sun-safe practices and environments provide encouraging results, but yield insufficient evidence to recommend current strategies as effective. Additional efforts should focus on increasing sun protection policies and education programs in workplaces and evaluating whether they improve the health behavior of outdoor workers.