BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE UV-RADIATION AND UV-RESOURCES IN MOSCOW (1999-2013)

Abstract

The paper contains the analysis of long-term measurements of erythemally weighted UV-radiation (Qer) at the Meteorological Observatory of Moscow State University over the 1999-2013 period. Main features of seasonal variability of Qer as well as the Qer dependence on different geophysical parameters are studied. We showed that the average annual Qer attenuation due to cloudiness, total ozone content, and aerosols, is about 29, 30%, and 7%, respectively. The maximal loss of Qer due to cloudiness is observed in November (48%), while ozone-dependent attenuation is maximal in February-March (44%). We used the original technique to assess the UV-radiation impact on human health in Moscow. Specifically, we have identified the UV potential for the erythema formation and synthesis of vitamin D in humans with different skin types. The UV-deficiency conditions are observed for all considered skin types (1-4) during all days from November to February. The probability of the UV-optimum conditions for different skin types was assessed. It was shown, for example, that for skin type 2, the UV-optimum conditions are dominant from March to April and from September to October (maximum in September - 60%). We have also identified the periods with UV-excess conditions. For skin type 2, these conditions may exist from April to August.

Keywords

• uv-radiation
• erythemal dose
• skin type
• vitamin d
• uv-resources
• moscow