This EC (Framework Programme 7: ENV.2008.1.2.1.5.
Quantification of changing surface UV radiation levels and its
impact on human health, Grant No. 227020) project brings photobiologists,
dermatologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, physicists and
climatologists together from six European countries.
ICEPURE
will determine the adverse and beneficial health effects of
ultraviolet radiation
(UVR) exposure.
Wristwatch
dosimeters, that record levels of UVR, will be worn by volunteers
to determine their individual exposure to sunlight over extended
periods of time. Satellite and ground station data will be gathered
to establish UVR levels at the locations where participants
are wearing the dosimeters. The wristwatch dosimeter data will
be combined with data from a diary that participants keep of
their daily behaviour, along with satellite data (i.e cloud
cover) and UV measurements taken on the ground. This combined
data will be used to show the influence of behavioural, meteorological,
environmental and cultural factors on an individuals UVR exposure.
Participants in this study will include farmers working in northern
and southern Europe. They will also include people on holiday
in different situations such as on the beach and in snow situations
when skiing. Measurements will take place in four different
countries and will also include studies measuring childrens
exposure.
Using the personal exposure data combined with satellite and
ground station data we will develop more accurate models to
assess the impact of climate change on future UVR exposure to
European populations.
We
will also determine the effect of UVR exposure on DNA damage
and the bodies immune system. Furthermore, the relationship
between UVR exposure and vitamin D status will be determined,
thus enabling a direct correlation between risk factors and
health benefits.
Finally
we will also determine how different parts of the UVR spectrum
are related to different effects on the body:
1) producing erythema (i.e. skin redness)
2) suppression of the bodies natural immune response
3) production of Vitamin D.
These
studies will determine the how important erythema (skin redness)
is as a biological indicator for UVR related health outcomes.
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