Analyzing the reliability and cost of the most commonly used dosimeters for personal ultraviolet radiation monitoring: a rapid review

To identify the most used dosimeters for monitoring ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and analyze their reliability and cost for individual UV exposure monitoring, this study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An extensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering 2005–2023, was conducted, including examining reference lists of retrieved studies. Of the 1202 records, 52 were eligible for analysis. Three types of dosimeters were identified: photosensitive, photochromic, and electronic dosimeters. Photosensitive dosimeters were utilized for 1236 samples across the studies, while photochromic dosimeters were employed for 360 samples. Electronic dosimeters, with a sample size of 3632, were the most extensively studied. This study highlights the variety of resources available for UVR assessment and the significance of specific dosimeter types in this field. Although few studies have explored the costs associated with dosimeter use, electronic dosimeters are the most cost-effective for radiation monitoring and provide the highest accuracy for measuring UVR exposure. Electronic dosimeters, known for real-time data and high precision, are reliable but costly, being approximately 16.5 times more expensive than photosensitive dosimeters and 160 times more expensive than photochromic dosimeters. Photosensitive dosimeters suit large-scale personal use, and photochromic sensors such as polysulphone dosimeters are also reliable. Additional costs for data analysis software, laboratory equipment, or external analysis services may be incurred, especially for advanced research-grade sensors.