ASSESSING CHILDRENS ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION EXPOSURE - THE POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF A COLORIMETER

Objectives. This study evaluated the colorimeter as an objective measu re of children's ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Methods. Fifty-e ight children, ages 6 to 9 years, attended two summer sessions, with 4 6 attending a subsequent winter session. Results. Comparisons between summer sessions for the L scale showed that only the upper arm signif icantly changed in the tanner direction, while b scale values indicat ed significant tanning for all body sites. All exposed body sites chan ged significantly in the less tan direction between summer and winter measurements. Conclusions. Using colorimeters to objectively measure c hildren's UV exposure has potential applications for skin cancer preve ntion programs.