Ultraviolet Radiation in Alpine Skiing

Abstract

Background Participation in outdoor alpine sports has been increasing over the last decade. Ultraviolet exposure levels for these activities can be extreme owing to the venue altitudes. The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of UV-A and UV-B radiation exposure incurred by performance skiers in a typical alpine venue and to determine the need for protection in that environment. Observations Total UV-B exposure ranged from 12 to 185 mJ/cm2 (0.5-7.6 times the minimum erythemal dose [MED] for individuals with type II skin). Ten percent of subjects received more than 1 MED/h at peak exposure times. Daily UV-A exposure ranged from 10.6 to 28 J/cm2 (daily average, 0.55 minimum melanogenic dose). Conclusions Alpine skiers with skin types I and II are exposed to measurable erythemal and suberythemal levels of UV radiation repeatedly over the long term at levels that can cause photodamage to their skin and potentially increase their later risk for skin cancer. Programs should be developed to educate skiers regarding the need for UV protection. Given the high levels of exposure noted, skiers should use UV protective measures, including sun-protection factor 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. A TOTAL of 87 900 Americans developed melanoma in 2002.1 Melanoma risk strongly correlates with UV exposure and sunburn—especially when the exposure or sunburn occurs prior to age 18 years—and the face and neck can be common anatomic sites. At typical alpine skiing elevations, ambient UV irradiance increases approximately 2% to 3% for each 100 m of altitude, and irradiance may be further increased by up to 40% due to the albedo of snow.2 There have been no quantitative studies to date measuring UV radiation exposure in performance alpine skiers. The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of UV-B (290-320 nm) and UV-A (320-400 nm) radiation exposure incurred by performance skiers in a typical alpine venue and to determine the need for protection in that environment.