Comparison of the solar spectral ultraviolet irradiance in motor vehicles with windows in an open and closed position

The solar ultraviolet (UV) spectrum was measured by a spectroradiometer located inside two common Australian vehicles: a family wagon and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The entrance optics of the spectroradiometer was orientated, in turn, on a horizontal plane, towards the driver and passenger windows and towards the wind-shield. UV spectra were recorded when the vehicles' windows were in an open and closed position. For a typical Australian family wagon, on a horizontal plane inside the vehicle, closing the windows decreased, the total UV irradiance by a factor of 3.2, whilst in a four-wheel drive the irradiance decreased by a factor of 2.1. In order to reduce the likelihood of developing of UV-related eye and skin disorders, drivers should use appropriate UV protection whilst driving a vehicle with the windows in an open position. Results gained from this research provide new findings on the exposure of humans to UV in a vehicle.