RESUMO
Background: UV radiation can cause serious skin and eye diseases, especially cancers. UV-related skin cancer incidences have been increasing for decades. The determining factor for this development is the individual UV exposure. Climate change-induced changes in atmospheric factors can influence individual UV exposure. Methods: On the basis of a topic-specific literature research, a review paper was prepared and supplemented by as yet unpublished results of the authors' own studies. The need for scientific research and development is formulated as well as primary prevention recommendations. Results: Climate change alters the factors influencing UV irradiance and annual UV dose in Germany. First evaluations of satellite data for Germany show an increase in mean peak UV irradiance and annual UV dose for the last decade compared to the last three decades. Conclusions: The climate change-related influences on individual UV exposure and the associated individual disease incidence cannot yet be reliably predicted due to considerable uncertainties. However, the current UV-related burden of disease already requires primary preventive measures to prevent UV-related diseases.
RESUMO
Despite the serious health consequences of UV radiation, protection against UV radiation is even now still not a matter of course. The population has a largely realistic view of UV radiation-related health risks but this does not seem to instigate a change in personal risk assessments and towards an adequate UV protection behavior. This is not least due to the partly contradictory statements and recommendations regarding the positive and negative health effects, also from the scientific community. A harmonization as well as a collation of the statements and activities of individual players in UV protection related to the prevention of UV-related diseases gives the key messages the necessary strength to make UV protection a matter of course in society. To this end, the UV Protection Alliance was initiated by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). This article reports on the UV Protection Alliance, presents the partners in the Alliance, the goals of the UV Protection Alliance, previous results of work by the Alliance and actions and interventions of the Alliance partners. The public impact of the UV Protection Alliance is explained and an outlook is given on future tasks of the Alliance.
Assuntos
Objetivos , Raios Ultravioleta , Alemanha , Humanos , Medição de Risco , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) can lead to numerous skin and eye diseases, both immediately and later in life. The most serious consequence is skin cancer. The risk of skin cancer increases, among other things, with increasing UV irradiance and/or with increasing outdoor exposure times. Due to the fact that UV radiation is carcinogenic, protection of the population against harmful UV exposure is an important radiation protection and health objective.In Germany, ozone depletion and climate change can also influence the UV irradiance and outdoor exposure times to such an extent that the UV exposure of the population and thus the skin cancer risk can increase. This is why protection against harmful UV exposure is even more important. Since ozone depletion and climate change can further increase the UV exposure of humans, protection against high UV exposure is even more important. A country's adaptation strategies to the health consequences of ozone depletion and climate change should therefore also include strategies to reduce UV exposure.In this review, the health effects of UV radiation and the risk factors for UV-related skin cancer are first presented. The measurement of UV irradiance and exposure in Germany is explained. The effects of ozone depletion and climate change on UV exposure are then described and measures to protect the population are presented.
