A systematic review of the health effects of occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Given the increasing duration and intensity of occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. This systematic review aimed to identify the health outcomes associated with occupational exposure to solar UVR, considering both negative and positive effects, and examining related factors such as occupational groups involved, sun protection practices, and study limitations. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases on 19 November 2024. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2019 and 2024, and involved human participants occupationally exposed to solar UVR. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data were synthesized descriptively. A total of 16 studies involving 12,268 participants met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently reported adverse health effects included skin cancer, cataracts, and photoaging. On the other hand, moderate solar UVR exposure was associated with a reduced risk of colon and prostate cancers. Sun protection practices varied considerably among studies. Common limitations included methodological heterogeneity and potential publication bias. This review highlights the substantial health risks, and some potential benefits associated with occupational exposure to solar UVR. The findings support the urgent need for improved sun protection policies in occupational settings and call for more robust, quantitative research to better inform risk assessment and prevention strategies.