Perfil da fotoexposição e fotoproteção de profissionais terceirizados da Universidade Federal da Paraíba – Campus I

Abstract

Sun exposure is vital to survival on Earth and offers numerous benefits, however when cumulative and without adequate protection, it can cause various health damage. Brazil has high temperatures and high solar incidence. Ultraviolet radiation is divided into UVC, UVB and UVA. The skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis and just below is the subcutaneous screen. 90% of UVB rays are absorbed by the epidermis and 10% reach the dermis. Overexposure or nonsun protection to UV radiation can cause erythema, photoaging and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the neoplasm with the highest incidence in Brazil, being classified as melanoma and non-melanoma. The prophylactic and therapeutic element in the face of the harmful effects of UV radiation is photoprotection. The approach is performed through the use of sunscreens, protective clothing and restricted exposure to sunlight. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the exposure and sun protection habits of outsourced professionals of the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, through the application of questionnaires, as well as to carry out educational measures for cancer prevention skin. At the end of the research it was found that most outsourced workers are exposed to the sun for a period between 2 and 4 hours daily, at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 60.3% reported never using sunscreen and 67.4% stated the use of physical photoprotection barriers. Therefore, in view of the investigation of the precariousness of the sun protection of employees, and in view of the seriousness of the complications of exposure to UV radiation without adequate protection, it is evident the need for mandatory material supply as well as the urgency of implementing awareness campaigns, either by the contracting company or the educational institution.