Anatomical exposure patterns of skin to sunlight: relative contributions of direct, diffuse and reflected ultraviolet radiation
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Version: author
Serval ID
serval:BIB_F584D9DEE2D9
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Anatomical exposure patterns of skin to sunlight: relative contributions of direct, diffuse and reflected ultraviolet radiation
Journal
British Journal of Dermatology
ISSN
1365-2133 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0007-0963
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
167
Number
2
Pages
383-390
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
Summary Background The dose-response between ultraviolet (UV) exposure patterns and skin cancer occurrence is not fully understood. Sun-protection messages often focus on acute exposure, implicitly assuming that direct UV radiation is the key contributor to the overall UV exposure. However, little is known about the relative contribution of the direct, diffuse and reflected radiation components. Objective To investigate solar UV exposure patterns at different body sites with respect to the relative contribution of the direct, diffuse and reflected radiation. Methods A three-dimensional numerical model was used to assess exposure doses for various body parts and exposure scenarios of a standing individual (static and dynamic postures). The model was fed with erythemally weighted ground irradiance data for the year 2009 in Payerne, Switzerland. A year-round daily exposure (08:00-17:00 h) without protection was assumed. Results For most anatomical sites, mean daily doses were high (typically 6·2-14·6 standard erythemal doses) and exceeded the recommended exposure values. Direct exposure was important during specific periods (e.g. midday during summer), but contributed moderately to the annual dose, ranging from 15% to 24% for vertical and horizontal body parts, respectively. Diffuse irradiation explained about 80% of the cumulative annual exposure dose. Acute diffuse exposures were also observed during cloudy summer days. Conclusions The importance of diffuse UV radiation should not be underestimated when advocating preventive measures. Messages focused on avoiding acute direct exposures may be of limited efficiency to prevent skin cancers associated with chronic exposure.
Keywords
Ultraviolet Rays , Sunlight , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Skin/radiation effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Radiation Dosage , Seasons , Weather
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
24/02/2012 17:23
Last modification date
20/08/2019 17:22