8264983 Database on UV exposure measurements – opportunities for prevention and epidemiological insights

<h3>Objective</h3> Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major occupational health risk, particularly for outdoor workers. The correlation between prolonged exposure to high levels of solar UV radiation and increased incidence of NMSC has been clearly established. While there has been considerable scientific and medical debate surrounding the mechanisms of the disease, the number of affected workers, and the legal classification of NMSC as an occupational disease, comprehensive and reliable data on personal UV exposure has long been missing. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> To address this gap, UV exposure data has been systematically collected since 2014 using an electronic data logger dosimeter (part of the GENESIS-UV measurement system). The data collection encompassed a wide range of outdoor occupations as well as various leisure activities, creating a solid foundation for further analysis. The primary aim was to support skin cancer prevention efforts, but the data also serve as a valuable resource for ongoing epidemiological studies. <h3>Results</h3> Over the course of the measurement campaign, approximately three billion data points were gathered across nearly 100 different occupational settings. 14 different leisure time activities were investigated. In addition to contributing to preventive measures, the collected data allow the estimation of the number of workers who are potentially at high risk of developing NMSC. To utilize this extensive dataset for occupational disease recognition and scientific research, a novel metric was developed to facilitate exposure assessment based on exposure registries. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The GENESIS-UV project has produced a comprehensive database capturing both occupational and leisure-time UV exposure across a broad spectrum of activities. This robust dataset significantly enhances our ability to implement primary prevention strategies against occupational skin cancer. Moreover, the data are actively supporting epidemiological research aimed at identifying reliable dose-response relationships between UV radiation and NMSC development.