title: [Analysis of the cumulative solar ultraviolet radiation in Mexico].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of skin cancer has increased in Mexico in recent years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main risk factor associated. Due to the need to develop strategies to prevent skin cancer, the aim of the study was to estimate the UV intensity in several representative regions of Mexico, the average annual UV dose of these populations, and the potential benefit of applying sunscreen at different ages.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intensity of UV radiation was quantified by remote and terrestrial radiometry. The dose of UV exposure was measured in minimal erythema doses using validated models for face and arms. The benefit of using a sunscreen was calculated with the use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 from birth to age 70.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The UV radiation is lower in December and greater in the period from May to July. The region with a lower annual dose is Tijuana; and the higher annual dose is in the Mexico City area. The annual difference between these regions was 58 %. Through life, a low SPF sunscreen can reduce up to 66 % of the received UV dose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The geographical location is a risk factor for accumulation of UV radiation in Mexico. Since childhood, people receive high amounts of it; however, most of this dose can be reduced using any commercially available sunscreen, if applied strategically.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto", Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México. torresmab@yahoo.com.mx.
authors.forename: Juan Pablo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Castanedo-Cázares
authors.forename: Bertha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Torres-Álvarez
authors.forename: Bárbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Portales-González
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martínez-Rosales
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hernández-Blanco
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D011874:Radiometry; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: Radiation dosage; Solar radiation; Sun protection factor; Ultraviolet rays