Dosimeter based on 8-methoxypsoralen for UVA exposures over extended periods

A miniaturized UVA dosimeter based on 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) has been developed and characterized for the evaluation of UVA (320-400 nm) exposures over extended periods longer than one day. Current research indicates that UVA is a contributing factor in non-melanoma skin cancers and the associated financial cost of damage caused by UVA is significant. Dosimetry is a technique that is commonly employed to measure UV exposures to an object or subject. Miniaturized dosimeters using polyphenylene oxide (PPO) have previously been used to measure received erythema] UV (UV,) exposures. A new miniaturized dosimeter using 8-MOP as the photoactive material has been characterized and a technique developed for the calibration of UVA exposures. Using Mylar as a UVB filter the spectral response showed 8-MOP to react only to wavelengths between 320 and 400 nm. The measured cosine response has an error of less than 13.8% for angles between 0 and 60 degrees. Seasonal dose response tests conducted, indicate that these UVA dosimeters are able to measure exposures <4.6 kJ/m(2). These results have shown that a dosimeter constructed from 8-MOP in conjunction with a Mylar filter can measure UVA exposures over extended periods longer than one day. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.