Case Study of Solar Risk for a Fisherman in Fray Bentos, Uruguay

This work investigates how ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects the health of fishermen in Fray Bentos, Uruguay. For this purpose, the Tropospheric Ultraviolet and Visible Radiation Model (TUV) was used together with satellite data to obtain the annual and daily UV Index (UVI) evolution curve. An estimated angular analysis of the UVI was carried out for the exposed body areas of fishermen, based on their typical postures and clothing habits during fishing activities. The results showed that fishermen were exposed to dangerously high levels of UV radiation throughout the year, especially on their head, neck, and arms, which increased their risk of skin cancer and other diseases. The maximum worst-case exposure was 26.5 times the minimal erythema dose (MED) for phototype III fishermen and 31.7 times for photo-type II.