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International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022People who practice outdoor sports have an increased risk of skin cancer as they are exposed to high doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent studies have shown that...
People who practice outdoor sports have an increased risk of skin cancer as they are exposed to high doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent studies have shown that in many athletes, sun protection behaviours are inadequate, with the risk that this entails. The aim of this review is to collect the information published to date about the knowledge, attitudes and habits of athletes in relation to sun exposure and its risks. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Embase with the search algorithm "(skin cancer OR melanoma) AND (exercise OR sport OR athletes)". All studies analysing the knowledge, attitudes and habits of photoprotection in athletes were included. A total of 2,365 publications were found, of which 23 were selected, including a total of 10,445 sportspeople. The majority of participants declared their voluntary intention to tan and stated that the sun made them feel better, although they also showed concern about possible damage associated with UV radiation. In most studies, less than half of the participants made adequate use of photoprotective measures. In general, most athletes had a high level of knowledge regarding the risk of skin cancer associated with sun exposure. In conclusion, most athletes are aware of the risks associated with UV radiation but do not make adequate use of photoprotective cream. New training programs on photoprotection could help improve athletes' photoprotective behaviour, reducing the incidence of skin cancer and precancerous lesions in this population.
Topics: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 36011808
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610175 -
Current Opinion in Pediatrics Aug 2019Patients seen at pediatric rheumatology are at increased risk of immediate and long-term consequences from sun exposure. The objective of this review is to build... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Patients seen at pediatric rheumatology are at increased risk of immediate and long-term consequences from sun exposure. The objective of this review is to build awareness of the need of sun protection in pediatric rheumatology patients.
RECENT FINDINGS
Sun exposure can lead to disease exacerbations in many rheumatic diseases. There is well documented literature linking the chronic use of immunosuppressants with long-term risk of skin cancer. Although there is a lack of literature in pediatric rheumatology addressing the need of sun protection in this patient population, the young age of patients, the nature of their disease and the treatments they receive, make them a high-risk population for the effects of the sun.
SUMMARY
Sun protection recommendations are outlined in the following manuscript, backed up by the rationale and biology of why it is important for pediatric rheumatology patients to be protected from the sun. The information reviewed in this article should be part of the education that all pediatric rheumatology patients should receive as part of their care.
Topics: Child; Disease Management; Guidelines as Topic; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Photosensitivity Disorders; Protective Clothing; Rheumatic Diseases; Rheumatology; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 31299020
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000798 -
Nutrients May 2023The last decades of global development have, due to rapid urbanization, pressuring entire populations to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, led to an increase in...
The last decades of global development have, due to rapid urbanization, pressuring entire populations to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, led to an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders, including stress. This study explored how lifestyle and dietary factors, such as physical activity, sun exposure, and vitamin D intake are related to perceived stress in a Mediterranean-based population. Physical activity level was evaluated using the international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ), sun exposure was evaluated using the sunlight exposure measurement questionnaire (SEM-Q), and validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intakes. The perceived stress of the study participants was evaluated using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test for potential associations. In the most adjusted model, an inverse association between physical activity level, sunlight exposure, vitamin D intake, and high perceived stress was found (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.00, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.99, OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.89, respectively). However, when stratifying the population by level of physical activity, the retrieved associations with sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake were significant only among those individuals reporting being moderately to highly physically active (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.33 and OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.76, respectively), while results on low physically active participants were null. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that higher dietary intake of vitamin D and sunlight exposure are associated with a lower likelihood of having high perceived stress among physically active individuals.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Exercise; Stress, Psychological; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37242183
DOI: 10.3390/nu15102301 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jul 2023In the USA, skin cancer is the most common cancer, more than all other cancers combined. Skin cancer may be prevented by using sun protection. This is particularly...
In the USA, skin cancer is the most common cancer, more than all other cancers combined. Skin cancer may be prevented by using sun protection. This is particularly important in 18-29-year-olds who, compared to older individuals, experience sunburns more frequently. Moreover, in locations close to the equator, such as Florida, people are at an increased risk of developing melanoma. College marching band members spend a significant amount of time in the sun, as much as 25 h weekly practicing and performing at games, yet little is known about this population. We examined and compared sun exposure and protection practices among Florida college marching band members and alumni. In 2020, anonymous cross-sectional web-based surveys were distributed via email and private Facebook groups. A total of 859 members and alumni of five Florida university marching bands participated. Questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, sun protection behaviors, as well as history of sunburn and skin cancer. Analyses of variance and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to compare sun protection practices between band members and alumni. During sunny day practices, only 16.1% (63/391) of alumni and 27.1% (127/468) of current band members always wore sunscreen. In the multiple linear regression, after adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and family history of skin cancer, alumni, who participated in marching band practices within the past 50 years, were significantly less likely to wear sunscreen or hats compared to current band members. Overall, men were less likely to wear sunscreen but were more likely to wear hats and shirts with sleeves that cover their shoulders compared to women. Compared to the general US population in 2017 (0.38%), alumni of Florida college marching bands in 2020 (2.04%) have a self-reported increase in melanoma prevalence of 1.66%. Of note, melanoma diagnoses were only reported by alumni who self-identified as non-Hispanic white; none of the non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, or other alumni reported a melanoma diagnosis. As skin cancer incidence continues to rise, it is critical that leaders in the marching band community continually address unprotected sun exposure, by promoting protective practices, as well as modifying attitudes and behaviors regarding sun exposure and protection.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Sunscreening Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sunlight; Florida; Universities; Sunburn; Skin Neoplasms; Melanoma
PubMed: 36462053
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02486-1 -
International Maritime Health 2020Travelling has been growing in popularity over the last several decades. Eye diseases, e.g. decreased visual acuity, inflammatory or degenerative lesions, chronic... (Review)
Review
Travelling has been growing in popularity over the last several decades. Eye diseases, e.g. decreased visual acuity, inflammatory or degenerative lesions, chronic diseases or eye trauma, affect all groups of travelers. The main risk factors contributing to the manifestation or exacerbation of common ocular diseases include exposure to dry air (inside the airplane cabin or in air-conditioned hotel rooms), exposure to chlorinated or salty water (swimming/bathing in swimming pools or in the sea), and sudden changes in the weather conditions. In addition, travelers to tropical destinations are at risk of ocular diseases which are rarely seen in temperate climate, e.g. onchocerciasis, loiasis, gnatostomosis, African trypanosomosis, or trachoma. The most common condition of the eye seen in travelers is conjunctivitis; it may be either of cosmopolitan (bacterial or viral infections, allergic inflammation) or tropical etiology, e.g. arboviral infections (zika, chikungunya). Given the fact that a large proportion of the general population have decreased visual acuity and many of them wear contact lenses rather than glasses, keratitis has become a common health problem among travelers as well; the major risk factors in such cases include sleeping in contact lenses, prolonged exposure to air-conditioning, working with a computer or swimming/bathing in microbiologically contaminated water (e.g. Acanthoamoeba protozoa). Conditions affecting the cornea, conjunctiva or lens may also occur due to excessive exposure to solar radiation, especially if travelers wear glasses without a UV protection.
Topics: Contact Lenses; Eye Diseases; Humans; Risk Factors; Sunlight; Swimming; Travel
PubMed: 32212152
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2020.0015 -
Arthritis Care & Research Feb 2022To examine associations between sunlight exposure and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) using general population data in Quebec, Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between sunlight exposure and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) using general population data in Quebec, Canada.
METHODS
A random sample of 7,600 individuals (including 786 subjects who were ACPA positive and 201 self-reported rheumatoid arthritis [RA] cases) from the CARTaGENE cohort was studied cross-sectionally. All subjects were nested in 4 census metropolitan areas, and mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for ACPA positivity related to sunlight exposure, adjusting for sun-block use, industrial fine particulate matter (PM ) exposures, smoking, age, sex, French Canadian ancestry, and family income. We also performed sensitivity analyses excluding subjects with RA, defining ACPA positivity by higher titers, and stratifying by age and sex.
RESULTS
The adjusted ORs and 95% CIs did not suggest conclusive associations between ACPA and sunlight exposure or sun-block use, but robust positive relationships were observed between industrial PM emissions and ACPA (OR 1.19 per μg/m [95% CI 1.03-1.36] in primary analyses).
CONCLUSION
We did not see clear links between ACPA and sunlight exposure or sun-block use, but we did note positive associations with industrial PM . Future studies of sunlight and RA (or ACPA) should take air pollution exposures into account.
Topics: Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quebec; Sunlight
PubMed: 32961027
DOI: 10.1002/acr.24448 -
Annals of the Academy of Medicine,... Dec 2019Sun exposure increases skin cancer risk. Studies have shown that demographic factors influence sun safety behaviour but there is a paucity of such data in Singapore. We...
INTRODUCTION
Sun exposure increases skin cancer risk. Studies have shown that demographic factors influence sun safety behaviour but there is a paucity of such data in Singapore. We aimed to identify sociodemographic predictors of sun safety habits in Singapore.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 2328 adults participated in a cross-sectional survey on time spent under the sun and sun safety habits (using protective headgear, body attire, umbrellas and sunscreens). A composite Sun Protection Score (higher scores represented better habits [range, 0-15]) and the average daily hours (ADH) of sun exposure were derived from the data. The relationship between the Sun Protection Score and ADH of sun exposure with sociodemographic factors was analysed using univariate (Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests), multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS
The following statistically significant variables predicted a lower Sun Protection Score: men (β = -1.48, <0.001), Indians (β = -1.04, <0.001), history of diabetes (β = -0.60, = 0.007) and people who do not consume alcohol (β = 0.31, = 0.03). Younger adults (β = -0.2, <0.001), men (β = 0.80, <0.001), darker skin type (β = 0.27, <0.001) and lower education level (β = -0.18, <0.001) were statistically significant variables that predicted a longer ADH of sun exposure.
CONCLUSION
The study has identified sociodemographic predictors of sun safety habits in Singapore.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Habits; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Singapore; Skin Neoplasms; Socioeconomic Factors; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 32112066
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2021A set of four case-control ( = 109), randomized-controlled ( = 7), cross-sectional ( = 78), and intervention ( = 47) studies was conducted across three countries to...
BACKGROUND
A set of four case-control ( = 109), randomized-controlled ( = 7), cross-sectional ( = 78), and intervention ( = 47) studies was conducted across three countries to investigate the effects of sun exposure on worker physiology and cognition.
METHODS
Physiological, subjective, and cognitive performance data were collected from people working in ambient conditions characterized by the same thermal stress but different solar radiation levels.
RESULTS
People working under the sun were more likely to experience dizziness, weakness, and other symptoms of heat strain. These clinical impacts of sun exposure were not accompanied by changes in core body temperature but, instead, were linked with changes in skin temperature. Other physiological responses (heart rate, skin blood flow, and sweat rate) were also increased during sun exposure, while attention and vigilance were reduced by 45% and 67%, respectively, compared to exposure to a similar thermal stress without sunlight. Light-colored clothes reduced workers' skin temperature by 12-13% compared to darker-colored clothes.
CONCLUSIONS
Working under the sun worsens the physiological heat strain experienced and compromises cognitive function, even when the level of heat stress is thought to be the same as being in the shade. Wearing light-colored clothes can limit the physiological heat strain experienced by the body.
Topics: Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Heat Stress Disorders; Hot Temperature; Humans; Skin Temperature; Sunlight
PubMed: 34300148
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147698 -
Journal of Occupational and... Jul 2023Cannabis cultivation and processing is becoming an important industry in the United States and Canada. The industry employs over 400,000 workers in the United States and...
Cannabis cultivation and processing is becoming an important industry in the United States and Canada. The industry employs over 400,000 workers in the United States and is growing rapidly. Both natural sunlight and artificial lamp-generated radiation are commonly used to grow cannabis plants. These optical sources can contain both visible and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) wavelengths, and overexposure to UVR is associated with negative health effects. The severity of these adverse health effects is governed by the specific wavelengths and exposed dose of UVR, yet worker exposure to UVR within cannabis-growing facilities has not been studied. In this study, worker exposure to UVR was assessed at five cannabis production facilities in Washington State, including indoor, outdoor, and shade house facilities. Lamp emission testing was performed at each facility and worker UVR exposures were measured for 87 work shifts. Observations of worker activities and use of personal protective equipment in association with UVR exposure measurements were recorded. For lamp emission measurements, at 3 feet from the center of the lamp, the average irradiances were 4.09 × 10, 6.95 × 10, 6.76 × 10, 3.96 × 10, and 1.98 × 10 effective W/cm for germicidal lamps, metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, fluorescent lamps, and light emitting diodes, respectively. The average measured UVR exposure was 2.91 × 10 effective J/cm (range: 1.54 × 10, 1.57 × 10 effective J/cm). Thirty percent of the work shifts monitored exceeded the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.003 effective J/cm. Exposures were highest for workers who spent all or part of the work shift outdoors, and solar radiation was the primary source of worker UVR exposure for most of the work shifts that exceeded the TLVs. Outdoor workers can reduce UVR exposure by applying sunscreen and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Although the artificial lighting used in the cannabis production facilities included in this study did not contribute substantially to the measured UV exposures, in many cases the lamp emissions would generate theoretical exposures at 3 feet from the center of the lamp that would exceed the TLV. Therefore, employers should choose low UVR emitting lamps for indoor grow operations and should use engineering controls (e.g., door-interlocks to de-energize lamps) to prevent worker exposure to UVR from germicidal lamps.
Topics: Humans; Ultraviolet Rays; Cannabis; Sunlight; Industry; Canada; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37146269
DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2207616 -
Journal of Hypertension Oct 2019
Topics: Diuretics; Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Thiazides
PubMed: 31464861
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002174