Long-term variability of human health-related solar ultraviolet-B radiation doses from the 1980s to the end of the 21st century

Abstract

Solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. UV exposure presents both risks and benefits to humans. Optimal UV-B exposure behaviors, that ensure balance between the risks and benefits of exposure to UV-B depend both on environmental and physiological factors and cannot be easily determined. The present review provides the current state of knowledge relative to the effects of UV-B radiation to humans. The physical mechanisms that control the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth’s surface are also discussed. A comprehensive review of the studies reporting on current trends in the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the surface and model projections of its future levels is examined and reveals the important role of man-made climatic changes in its evolution. The review provides evidence that despite the success of the Montreal Protocol, the future evolution of the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth’s surface has important uncertainties caused by the expected changes in our climate. Therefore, it is recommended that the usual precautionary measures to protect from excess exposure of humans to solar UV-B radiation should continue to apply in the decades to come.