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Solar UV Measured under Built-Shade in Public Parks: Findings from a Randomized Trial in Denver and Melbourne

Author

Listed:
  • Suzanne Jane Dobbinson

    (Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • David Bard Buller

    (Klein Buendel, Inc., Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • James Andrew Chamberlain

    (Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

  • Jody Simmons

    (Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Mary Klein Buller

    (Klein Buendel, Inc., Golden, CO 80401, USA)

Abstract

Reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is crucial for preventing UV-induced diseases of the skin and eyes. Shade may offer significant protection from UV. More empirical research to quantify the UV protection offered from built shade is needed to guide disease prevention practices and confidence in investment in shade. This study quantified UV levels under built-shade relative to unshaded passive recreation areas (PRAs) over summer months in parks in two cities. In a randomized controlled trial, n = 1144 UV measurements were conducted at the center and periphery of PRAs in a total sample of 144 public parks as part of pretest and posttest measures of use of the PRAs by park visitors for three recruitment waves per city during 2010 to 2014. Following pretest, 36 PRAs received built-shade and 108 did not. Regression analyses modelled pre-post change in UV (Standard Erythemal Dose (SED) per 30 min) at PRAs; and environmental predictors. Mean UV at the center of built-shade PRAs decreased from pretest to posttest ( x ¯ = 3.39, x ¯ = 0.93 SED), a change of x ¯ = −3.47 SED relative to control PRAs ( p < 0.001) adjusting for the covariates of ambient SED, (cosine) solar elevation and cloud cover. Clouds decreased and solar elevation increased UV levels under shade. No significant differences in UV by shade design occurred. A substantial reduction in exposure to UV can be achieved using built-shade with shade cloth designs, offering considerable protection for shade users. Supplementary sun protection is recommended for extended periods of shade use during clear sky days.

Suggested Citation

  • Suzanne Jane Dobbinson & David Bard Buller & James Andrew Chamberlain & Jody Simmons & Mary Klein Buller, 2022. "Solar UV Measured under Built-Shade in Public Parks: Findings from a Randomized Trial in Denver and Melbourne," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10583-:d:897114
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wendy McWilliam & Andreas Wesener & Anupriya Sukumar & Robert D. Brown, 2020. "Reducing the Incidence of Skin Cancer through Landscape Architecture Design Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Buller, D.B. & English, D.R. & Buller, M.K. & Simmons, J. & Chamberlain, J.A. & Wakefield, M. & Dobbinson, S., 2017. "Shade sails and passive recreation in public parks of Melbourne and Denver: A randomized intervention," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(12), pages 1869-1875.
    3. Cornelia Fiessler & Annette B. Pfahlberg & Wolfgang Uter & Olaf Gefeller, 2018. "Shedding Light on the Shade: How Nurseries Protect Their Children from Ultraviolet Radiation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-11, August.
    4. Zarr, R. & Conway, T., 2017. "What About the Trees? Trees as Nature-Based “Shade Sails”," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(12), pages 1876-1877.
    5. Joanna Turner & Alfio V. Parisi, 2018. "Ultraviolet Radiation Albedo and Reflectance in Review: The Influence to Ultraviolet Exposure in Occupational Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-21, July.
    6. Suzanne J. Dobbinson & Jody Simmons & James A. Chamberlain & Robert J. MacInnis & Jo Salmon & Petra K. Staiger & Melanie Wakefield & Jenny Veitch, 2020. "Examining Health-Related Effects of Refurbishment to Parks in a Lower Socioeconomic Area: The ShadePlus Natural Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-21, August.
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