Research aims to map UV hotspots in schools

With thousands of students across the state set to return to school next week, research into levels of UV radiation in school grounds being conducted at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) could prove very timely.

PhD student Nathan Downs is measuring the levels of UV radiation in the school playground to assist schools in protecting students from harmful sun exposure.

'I've been looking at what level of exposure children are getting in different parts of the playground in different seasons and weather conditions,' Mr Downs said.

Using manikins, anatomical models of the body, and a digital map of the grounds he measured levels of ultra-violet exposure in various areas of Hervey Bay State High School.

'I've built three-dimensional digital models of an arm, hand, leg, neck and face. With the models I can make predictions of the exposure levels anywhere in the school.'

The research will eventually be compiled to make a system which can identify the areas in the school to avoid depending on the day, time and weather conditions.

'I am hoping to provide schools with a model to use every day to make predictions of where the hotspots will be on that particular day.

'Schools will then be able to print out a form and read it out on daily notices advising students of the locations to be avoided. It could also be used by teachers to plan school breaks and sports days.'

The mapping technique can be applied to any school throughout the country

'I can move the models around using a computer. The idea is that once I've taken measurements I can come back to USQ and place the models in any school environment as long as I have photos of the school playground.

'I'd like to be able to provide the model for all schools. I just need a digital image map of all of the playgrounds based on a series of photos taken in the grounds.

'Once I have photos of the playground I can predict the horizontal plane UV exposure and produce three-dimensional maps of the levels of UV exposure received on each of the arm, hand, leg, neck and face models.'

Mr Downs said areas of concern in the grounds are not always obvious.

'The effectiveness of trees and other shade structures can be minimal if the position of the sun is low in the sky. So the shade is often not where you might be sitting.

'The levels of exposure in one area change throughout the day due to the position of the sun, the cloud cover and the ozone level.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559