Work

Statistical analyses of sunscreen usage survey data for the purpose of factor refinement influencing UV filter exposure in aquatic systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Current environmental emissions assessments for UV filters in sunscreens used at the beach assume a uniform application rate. While this approach is both conservative and pragmatic, it fails to take into account consumer behaviors that could lead to a range of application values. This study explored diverse behavior, environmental, and other independent factors that may affect application rates by investigating results from an online survey with more than 2,000 participants. The survey included visual references that helped participants determine the mass of sunscreen lotion applied to their face and body. The resulting datasets for the face and body required curation to eliminate conflicting responses (e.g., “I don’t typically apply sunscreen” and contradictory sunscreen application amount responses). Environmental variables tied to the zip codes of participants were investigated for their links with application rates. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to assess the multivariate nature of participant attributes (e.g., income, skin tone), environmental factors (e.g., UV radiation by zip code) and others to self-reported application rates. The statistical analysis demonstrated that a clear, one-size-approach toward exposure assessment of UV filters in sunscreens at the beach may not be appropriate because several independent variables were significantly related to application rates to the face and body. The learnings from this study can be used to refine future online surveys. This can lead to realistic environmental emissions and exposure assessments that include diverse independent factors associated with sunscreen use at the beach as well as the ability to tailor emissions estimates to specific beach and aquatic environments thus providing the ability to better target environmental risk management actions.

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101112

Authors: Andrea M. Carrao, Sarah L. Terrell, Celine N. Schmitt, Scott D. Dyer

Institutions: University of Cincinnati, Waterborne Environmental (United States), LeTourneau University

Language: English

Topic: Skin Protection and Aging

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140