SUMMARY OF THE THESIS "ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL
BARRIERS ON THE UVB ERYTHEMATOSUS RADIATION RECEIVED BY
PEOPLE"


This thesis is based on the study of the effect that different physical barriers have on ultraviolet erythematous radiation received by people. The goal of this research is to evaluate the influence of three types of physical barriers against UVB solar radiation received by people. The three barriers discussed are: a) trees: two different types of trees are analyzed, b) vertical walls: the influence of concrete and metal walls is analyzed when they are placed in front of the sun and are likely therefore to reflect radiation on the person in front of them, c) vehicle windows: the influence of the position of the windows (open or closed) is analyzed in different situations inside a car.
In order to study the influence of these three natural barriers, it has proceeded as follows: it has been prepared, on one hand, a set of dosimeters, which measure the energy stored in a certain time interval J/m2, with a capacity ranging from 500 to 5500 J/m2. On the other hand, two radiometers have been available to measure the UVB irradiance in W/m2.


The methodology for the study of the effect of each physical barrier consisted of:

a) trees, two different types of tree have been analyzed in order to study the influence of the different density of tree canopy. Dosimeters were placed under the shade of the trees and in full sun.

b) vertical walls: two types of walls have been analyzed: concrete and sheet metal. In this case, two dosimeters have been placed for each type of wall, in horizontal and vertical position directed to wall. The walls were facing south.

c) vehicle windows: in this case a total of eight dosimeters have been distributed in the positions of: horizontal in the driving position, vertical in the driving position, lateral in the driving position, driver's arm, horizontal in the passenger position, vertical in the passenger position, lateral in the passenger position and on the passenger's arm position. Measurements were carried out with the windows fully closed and fully open. The car was oriented so that the sun was coming through the driver's window. The measures, in all cases (trees, vertical walls and vehicles) were taken into relatively clear days and covering all seasons.