Fractional Distribution of Solar UV-B Absorbance on Outdoor Workers within Nsukka Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation is one of the physical concerns of the environment. Several nations have thus moved research attention to this area. This research work aimed at measuring the solar UV-B absorbance on outdoor workers in Nsukka metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria. An LS125 multi probe UV Light Meter with UV- B sensor was used to measure the UV-B irradiance across five study locations representing the various occupations, viz: Barracks (mechanics), Opi (Farmers), Ogige (Traders), Zik’s flat (motor park workers) and Onuiyi (Bricklayers). A UV-Vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the change in the optical absorbance of polymer polysulphone dosimeters. Result shows that UV-B Irradiance was highest at solar noon across the study locations. The dosimeter placed on the head received the highest dose of UV- B radiation at the study locations. The values of the cumulative UV-B exposure of the dosimeters placed on the body parts at the study sites were higher than the occupational exposure limit of 30J/m2 for a 6.5-hour exposure time for both the eye and skin recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The AIC and BIC values shows that the logarithm regression model outperformed the other models tested. This work therefor sets a reliable baseline data for solar UV-B radiation monitoring in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria and also recommend that protective clothing be worn carrying out daily activities during peak solar UV-B radiation hours,