The Relationship Between PM_2.5 and the Action Spectrum of Ultraviolet Radiation for Vitamin D Production Based on a Manikin Model

Abstract

Objectives: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the principal air pollutant and poses a serious threat to public health. This study explored the effects of PM2.5 on the action spectrum of ultraviolet radiation for vitamin D production (UVvitD) received by manikin surfaces. Methods: Multi-inclination angle ultraviolet radiation monitoring was conducted with different concentrations of PM2.5. Combining monitoring data with the PM2.5 concentration, solar elevation angle (SEA), and inclination angle, a UVvitD exposure model for human body multi-inclined surfaces was constructed through a multiple linear regression analysis. A 3D manikin model was used to examine the PM2.5 effects on UVvitD received by the manikin surface. Results: When PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 35 μg/m3 to 100 μg/m3 (average concentration of PM2.5 in this range: 62 μg/m3), the UVvitD received by the whole body was reduced by approximately 8.45% to 19.82% compared with the UVvitD received when PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 6 μg/m3 to 35 μg/m3 (average concentration of PM2.5 in this range: 17 μg/m3) with SEAs between 30° and 50°. Moreover, the UVvitD dose was reduced by 11.82% in the above comparisons. When further comparing PM2.5 concentrations from 100 μg/m3 to 161 μg/m3 (average concentration of PM2.5 in this range: 132 μg/m3) with those from 6 μg/m3 to 35 μg/m3 (average concentration of PM2.5 in this range: 17 μg/m3), the UVvitD received by the whole body was reduced by approximately 21.6% to 50.64% at SEAs between 30° and 50°. The UVvitD dose was reduced by 30.2%. Conclusions: The occurrence of PM2.5 obviously reduced the UVvitD received by the manikin surface.

Keywords

• PM₂₅
• ultraviolet radiation
• manikin model
• inclination angle
• Vitamin D