Possible dosimeter for ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

WHILE evaluating the weathering characteristics of the plastics polysulphone and polyphenylene oxide (PPO) we found that they both darkened when exposed to ultraviolet radiation¹. We realised the potential of these polymers as monitors for ultraviolet radiation and are developing them for this use. PPO is now being used to monitor continuously solar ultraviolet radiation at forty sites throughout the world². We are developing polysulphone as a possible personnel dosimeter to measure exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Two requirements for any ultraviolet dosimeter are: (1) that the wavelength response of the dosimeter should be similar to the erythemal action spectrum of human skin, and (2) that the dosimeter should have a monotonic response as the ultraviolet dose increases. The results presented here indicate that polysulphone might well satisfy these criteria.