Compréhension et utilisation de l’indice universel de rayonnement solaire (« indice ultraviolet ») par les dermatologues français métropolitains

Benchérif

et al. 2020

IJERPH

Reunion Island is a popular tourist destination with sandy beaches, an active volcano (Piton de la Fournaise), and Piton des Neiges, the highest and most dominant geological feature on the island. Reunion is known to have high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with an ultraviolet index (UVI) which can reach 8 in winter and 16 in summer (climatological conditions). UVR has been linked to skin cancer, melanoma, and eye disease such as cataracts. The World Health Organization (WHO) devised the UVI as a tool for expressing UVR intensity. Thresholds ranging from low (UVI 1–2) to extreme (UVI > 11) were defined depending on the risk to human health. The purpose of the study was to assess UVR exposure levels over three of the busiest tourist sites on the island. UVR was measured over several hours along popular hiking trails around Piton de la Fournaise (PDF), Piton des Neiges (PDN), and St-Leu Beach (LEU). The results were compared with those recorded by the local UV station at Saint-Denis. In addition, cumulative standard erythemal dose (SED) was calculated. Results showed that UVI exposure at PDF, PDN, and LEU were extreme (>11) and reached maximum UVI levels of 21.1, 22.5, and 14.5, respectively. Cumulative SEDs were multiple times higher than the thresholds established by the Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification. UVI measurements at the three study sites showed that Reunion Island is exposed to extreme UVR conditions. Public awareness campaigns are needed to inform the population of the health risks related to UVR exposure.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar UV Radiation in the Tropics: Human Exposure at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) during Summer Outdoor Activities

Benchérif

et al. 2020

IJERPH

“…Many of the research efforts detailing UVI knowledge have shown there is a minimal understanding of the UVI by the public [ 51 , 54 , 85 – 90 ] and that lower UVI value recommendations underpredict erythemal risk [ 91 – 93 ]. Medical professionals have similarly displayed limited knowledge or use of the UVI [ 94 – 96 ]. However, personal knowledge of the UVI may not be necessary to improve sun protection behaviors if mobile health technology can provide tailored recommendations on behalf of the individual.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Ultraviolet Exposure in Individuals Who Perform Outdoor Sport Activities

et al. 2020

Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA. Therefore, it is important to review the contribution of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to skin cancer in individuals with the highest risk. Documenting the relationship between outdoor sports solar ultraviolet exposure and their risk of skin cancer along with appropriate risk mitigation strategies can help inform clinicians of practical information for counseling sun protective behaviors in this population. Methods: We conducted a review of the current evidence using PubMed to answer the following research questions: (1) How is ultraviolet radiation measured? (2) What is the modern utility of the ultraviolet index in modifying recreational sun protection behaviors? (3) What is the risk of developing skin cancer for outdoor sport participants? (4) What is the prevalence of skin cancer in sport participants? and (5) Is the number of nevi and solar lentigines elevated in outdoor sport participants? Results: Based on the literature, individuals who practice outdoor sport-related activities receive high ultraviolet radiation exposure, have a high risk for skin cancer, have a high prevalence for pigmented lesions, and may benefit from electronic sun protection educational interventions. Conclusions: Individuals who practice outdoor sports experience substantially higher ultraviolet radiation exposure, routinely exceed the recommended exposure limits, and are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, those who are frequently engaged in outdoor leisure activities should be coached about efficient sun protective practices and relevant mobile technologies that may facilitate adherence.

“…It is used to predict the UV radiation intensity reaching the earth’s surface, and has been used as a proxy of UV exposure in prior epidemiologic studies. [21–23] The calculation of UV index takes into account stratospheric ozone concentration, cloud coverage, altitude, sun’s position, surface albedo, tropospheric aerosol loading[24], and it is additionally adjusted for the variations in skin sensitivity to different wavelengths of light, based on the McKinlay-Diffey erythema action spectrum. [25] The resulting value is scaled by a numerical factor and rounded to the nearest whole number, ranging from zero to the mid-teens.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationship Between Ultraviolet Light Exposure and Mortality in Dialysis Patients

et al. 2014

Background: Emerging data suggest that reduced exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with increased mortality in the general population. To date, the association between UV exposure and mortality in dialysis patients has not been examined. Methods: We examined the association between UV index, a proxy of UV exposure, and all-cause mortality among 47,286 US dialysis patients (entry period 2001-2006, with follow-up through 2009) from a large national dialysis organization using multivariable Cox regression. The UV index was ascertained by linking individual patients' residential zip codes to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, and was categorized as low (0-<3), moderate (3-<5), moderate-high (5-<6), high (6-<7), and very-high (≥7). In secondary analyses, we examined the UV index-mortality association within subgroups of age (<65 vs. ≥65 years old), sex, and race (white vs. non-white). Results: The study population's mean ± SD age was 60 ± 16 and included 46% women and 56% diabetics. Compared to patients residing in moderate-high UV index regions, those residing in high and very-high UV index regions had a lower mortality risk: adjusted HRs 0.84 (95% CI) 0.81-0.88 and 0.83 (95% CI) 0.75-0.91, respectively. A similar inverse association between UV index and mortality was observed across all subgroups, although there was more pronounced reduction in mortality among whites vs. non-whites. Conclusion: These data suggest that dialysis patients residing in higher UV index regions have lower all-cause mortality compared to those living in moderate-high UV regions. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the UV index-mortality association.