Erythemal ultraviolet solar radiation doses received by young skiers.
Children are a special group since epidemiological evidence indicates that excessive exposure to sunlight at an early age increases the risk of skin cancer in later life. The purpose of this study is to quantify children's UV exposure when skiing, using dosimeters (VioSpor) placed on the shoulders of 10 participants. The children received a median daily Standard Erythema Dose of 2.1 within a range of 4.9-0.71, this being approximately 35% of the calculated 24 h ambient UV radiation on the horizontal plane. According to the results obtained, young skiers are exposed to UV radiation that can potentially cause skin damage and erythema and increase the risk of skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. These findings emphasise the need for adequate protective measures against solar radiation when skiing. The results also suggest that sun-protection campaigns should be undertaken aimed at children engaged in outdoor sports, including winter activities.
Instituto de Ingeniería Energética, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain. mserranj@fis.upv.es.
María-Antonia
MA
Serrano
Javier
J
Cañada
Juan Carlos
JC
Moreno
D002648:Child; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012865:Skiing; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects