Dosimeter based on 8-methoxypsoralen for UVA exposures over extended periods

•Successful characterization of a UVA dosimeter using 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP).•8-MOP can be calibrated for UVA exposures.•8-MOP/UVA dosimeter can be used for periods longer than one day.

A miniaturized UVA dosimeter based on 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) has been developed and characterized for the evaluation of UVA (320–400 nm) exposures over extended periods longer than one day. Current research indicates that UVA is a contributing factor in non-melanoma skin cancers and the associated financial cost of damage caused by UVA is significant. Dosimetry is a technique that is commonly employed to measure UV exposures to an object or subject. Miniaturized dosimeters using polyphenylene oxide (PPO) have previously been used to measure received erythemal UV (UVery) exposures. A new miniaturized dosimeter using 8-MOP as the photoactive material has been characterized and a technique developed for the calibration of UVA exposures. Using Mylar as a UVB filter the spectral response showed 8-MOP to react only to wavelengths between 320 and 400 nm. The measured cosine response has an error of less than 13.8% for angles between 0° and 60°. Seasonal dose response tests conducted, indicate that these UVA dosimeters are able to measure exposures <4.6 kJ/m2. These results have shown that a dosimeter constructed from 8-MOP in conjunction with a Mylar filter can measure UVA exposures over extended periods longer than one day.