title: Comparison of human facial UV exposure at high and low latitudes and the potential impact on dermal vitamin D production.
abstract: The results presented in this paper allow for the estimation of the monthly UV exposure of the human facial region at various locations across the earth. The technique allows a graphical representation of the UV exposures over the face. The erythemal UV exposures as well as the vitamin D exposures to the human facial region have been investigated. The results gained in this paper, for a clear sky and constant ozone indicate that the sun's capability to promote the development of vitamin D in the human body does not follow the erythemal UV irradiances, in particular at high latitudes. For Amsterdam (52 degrees N) in late winter, approximately 20% more UV is required to produce 215 J m(-2) of vitamin D weighted UV than erythemal UV.
authors.affiliation: National Ultraviolet Monitoring Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA. mkimlin@physast.uga.edu
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kimlin
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Downs
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Parisi
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D