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Marro M, Moccozet L, Vernez D. A model of ocular ambient irradiance at any head orientation. Comput Biol Med 2024; 179:108903. [PMID: 39059211 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient ultraviolet radiation is associated with various ocular pathologies. Estimating the irradiance received by the eyes is therefore essential from a preventive perspective and to study the relationship between light exposure and eye diseases. However, measuring ambient irradiance on the ocular surface is challenging. Current methods are either approximations or rely on simplified setups. Additionally, factors like head rotation further complicate measurements for prolonged exposures. This study proposes a novel numerical approach to address this issue by developing an analytical model for calculating irradiance received by the eye and surrounding ocular area. The model takes into account local ambient irradiance, sun position, and head orientation. It offers a versatile and cost-effective means of calculating ocular irradiance, adaptable to diverse scenarios, and serves both as a predictive tool and as a way to compute correction factors, such as the fraction of diffuse irradiance received by the eyes. Furthermore, it can be tailored for prolonged durations, facilitating the calculation of radiant dose obtained during extended exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Marro
- University of Geneva, Centre Universitaire d'informatique, Battelle, Batiment A, 7 Route de Drize 1227 Carouge (CH), Switzerland.
| | - Laurent Moccozet
- University of Geneva, Centre Universitaire d'informatique, Battelle, Batiment A, 7 Route de Drize 1227 Carouge (CH), Switzerland.
| | - David Vernez
- University of Lausanne, Center for Public Health and Primary Care Medicine (Unisanté), 44 Rue du Bugnon 1011 Lausanne (CH), Switzerland.
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Arsenović P, Rozanov E, Usoskin I, Turney C, Sukhodolov T, McCracken K, Friedel M, Anet J, Simić S, Maliniemi V, Egorova T, Korte M, Rieder H, Cooper A, Peter T. Global impacts of an extreme solar particle event under different geomagnetic field strengths. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321770121. [PMID: 38950370 PMCID: PMC11252817 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321770121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Solar particle events (SPEs) are short-lived bursts of high-energy particles from the solar atmosphere and are widely recognized as posing significant economic risks to modern society. Most SPEs are relatively weak and have minor impacts on the Earth's environment, but historic records contain much stronger SPEs which have the potential to alter atmospheric chemistry, impacting climate and biological life. The impacts of such strong SPEs would be far more severe when the Earth's protective geomagnetic field is weak, such as during past geomagnetic excursions or reversals. Here, we model the impacts of an extreme SPE under different geomagnetic field strengths, focusing on changes in atmospheric chemistry and surface radiation using the atmosphere-ocean-chemistry-climate model SOCOL3-MPIOM and the radiation transfer model LibRadtran. Under current geomagnetic conditions, an extreme SPE would increase NOx concentrations in the polar stratosphere and mesosphere, causing reductions in extratropical stratospheric ozone lasting for about a year. In contrast, with no geomagnetic field, there would be a substantial increase in NOx throughout the entire atmosphere, resulting in severe stratospheric ozone depletion for several years. The resulting ground-level ultraviolet (UV) radiation would remain elevated for up to 6 y, leading to increases in UV index up to 20 to 25% and solar-induced DNA damage rates by 40 to 50%. The potential evolutionary impacts of past extreme SPEs remain an important question, while the risks they pose to human health in modern conditions continue to be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Arsenović
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Department of Water, Atmosphere, and Environment, BOKU University, Vienna1180, Austria
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH, Zürich8092, Switzerland
| | - Eugene Rozanov
- Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos und World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC), Davos7260, Switzerland
- Ozone Layer and Upper Atmosphere Research Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg198504, Russia
| | - Ilya Usoskin
- Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu90014, Finland
| | - Chris Turney
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, Division of Research, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW2007, Australia
| | - Timofei Sukhodolov
- Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos und World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC), Davos7260, Switzerland
| | - Ken McCracken
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, Division of Research, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW2007, Australia
| | - Marina Friedel
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH, Zürich8092, Switzerland
| | - Julien Anet
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich8058, Switzerland
| | - Stana Simić
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Department of Water, Atmosphere, and Environment, BOKU University, Vienna1180, Austria
| | - Ville Maliniemi
- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu90014, Finland
| | - Tatiana Egorova
- Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos und World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC), Davos7260, Switzerland
| | - Monika Korte
- Geophysics Department, Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam – Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam14473, Germany
| | - Harald Rieder
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Department of Water, Atmosphere, and Environment, BOKU University, Vienna1180, Austria
| | - Alan Cooper
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW2640, Australia
| | - Thomas Peter
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH, Zürich8092, Switzerland
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Görlitz M, Justen L, Rochette PJ, Buonanno M, Welch D, Kleiman NJ, Eadie E, Kaidzu S, Bradshaw WJ, Javorsky E, Cridland N, Galor A, Guttmann M, Meinke MC, Schleusener J, Jensen P, Söderberg P, Yamano N, Nishigori C, O'Mahoney P, Manstein D, Croft R, Cole C, de Gruijl FR, Forbes PD, Trokel S, Marshall J, Brenner DJ, Sliney D, Esvelt K. Assessing the safety of new germicidal far-UVC technologies. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:501-520. [PMID: 37929787 DOI: 10.1111/php.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial importance of enhanced indoor air quality control measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory pathogens. Far-UVC is a type of germicidal ultraviolet technology, with wavelengths between 200 and 235 nm, that has emerged as a highly promising approach for indoor air disinfection. Due to its enhanced safety compared to conventional 254 nm upper-room germicidal systems, far-UVC allows for whole-room direct exposure of occupied spaces, potentially offering greater efficacy, since the total room air is constantly treated. While current evidence supports using far-UVC systems within existing guidelines, understanding the upper safety limit is critical to maximizing its effectiveness, particularly for the acute phase of a pandemic or epidemic when greater protection may be needed. This review article summarizes the substantial present knowledge on far-UVC safety regarding skin and eye exposure and highlights research priorities to discern the maximum exposure levels that avoid adverse effects. We advocate for comprehensive safety studies that explore potential mechanisms of harm, generate action spectra for crucial biological effects and conduct high-dose, long-term exposure trials. Such rigorous scientific investigation will be key to determining safe and effective levels for far-UVC deployment in indoor environments, contributing significantly to future pandemic preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Görlitz
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lennart Justen
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patrick J Rochette
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manuela Buonanno
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - David Welch
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Norman J Kleiman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ewan Eadie
- Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Sachiko Kaidzu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Japan
| | - William J Bradshaw
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emilia Javorsky
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Future of Life Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nigel Cridland
- Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Didcot, UK
| | - Anat Galor
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami Health System Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Martina C Meinke
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Schleusener
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Jensen
- Final Approach Inc., Port Orange, Florida, USA
| | - Per Söderberg
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nozomi Yamano
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Chikako Nishigori
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Japanese Red Cross Hyogo Blood Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Paul O'Mahoney
- Optical Radiation Effects, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, UK
| | - Dieter Manstein
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rodney Croft
- International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), Chair, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Curtis Cole
- Sun & Skin Consulting LLC, New Holland, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frank R de Gruijl
- Department of Dermatology, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stephen Trokel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, New York, USA
| | - John Marshall
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - David Sliney
- IES Photobiology Committee, Chair, Fallston, Maryland, USA
- Consulting Medical Physicist, Fallston, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin Esvelt
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Neale RE, Lucas RM, Byrne SN, Hollestein L, Rhodes LE, Yazar S, Young AR, Berwick M, Ireland RA, Olsen CM. The effects of exposure to solar radiation on human health. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023; 22:1011-1047. [PMID: 36856971 PMCID: PMC9976694 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00375-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
This assessment by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) evaluates the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human health within the context of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments. We assess work published since our last comprehensive assessment in 2018. Over the last four years gains have been made in knowledge of the links between sun exposure and health outcomes, mechanisms, and estimates of disease burden, including economic impacts. Of particular note, there is new information about the way in which exposure to UV radiation modulates the immune system, causing both harms and benefits for health. The burden of skin cancer remains high, with many lives lost to melanoma and many more people treated for keratinocyte cancer, but it has been estimated that the Montreal Protocol will prevent 11 million cases of melanoma and 432 million cases of keratinocyte cancer that would otherwise have occurred in the United States in people born between 1890 and 2100. While the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, rates have stabilised in younger populations in some countries. Mortality has also plateaued, partly due to the use of systemic therapies for advanced disease. However, these therapies are very expensive, contributing to the extremely high economic burden of skin cancer, and emphasising the importance and comparative cost-effectiveness of prevention. Photodermatoses, inflammatory skin conditions induced by exposure to UV radiation, can have a marked detrimental impact on the quality of life of sufferers. More information is emerging about their potential link with commonly used drugs, particularly anti-hypertensives. The eyes are also harmed by over-exposure to UV radiation. The incidence of cataract and pterygium is continuing to rise, and there is now evidence of a link between intraocular melanoma and sun exposure. It has been estimated that the Montreal Protocol will prevent 63 million cases of cataract that would otherwise have occurred in the United States in people born between 1890 and 2100. Despite the clearly established harms, exposure to UV radiation also has benefits for human health. While the best recognised benefit is production of vitamin D, beneficial effects mediated by factors other than vitamin D are emerging. For both sun exposure and vitamin D, there is increasingly convincing evidence of a positive role in diseases related to immune function, including both autoimmune diseases and infection. With its influence on the intensity of UV radiation and global warming, the Montreal Protocol has, and will have, both direct and indirect effects on human health, potentially changing the balance of the risks and benefits of spending time outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - R M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - S N Byrne
- School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L Hollestein
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L E Rhodes
- Dermatology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - S Yazar
- Garvan Medical Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - M Berwick
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, USA
| | - R A Ireland
- School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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