Development and characterization of a DNA solar dosimeter

In this paper, we report the development and characterization of a solar ul traviolet (UV) dosimetry system that can be used as a film badge for radiat ion monitoring. DNA molecules are coated on a thin nylon membrane as a UV d osimeter. The membrane is sealed in a polyethylene filter envelope with sil ica gel to keep the humidity low. After exposure to UV or solar light, indu ced DNA damage is measured by an immunochemical reaction. The intensity of color developed during the immunological reaction can be correlated linearl y with the irradiated UV dose delivered by an Oriel solar simulator within a limited dose range. We observe no effects of temperature on the level of damage induction. The membrane is proficient for measuring DNA damage for m ore than 21 days when stored at either 37 or 4 degrees C. The induced damag e remains stable on the membrane for at least 22 days at both 37 and 4 degr ees C. In addition to these indoor experiments, we report measurements of s olar UV dose in outdoor experiments. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rig hts reserved.