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The response of the ozone column across Europe to the extreme 2020 Arctic ozone depletion was examined by analyzing ground-based observations at 38 European stations. The ozone decrease at the northernmost site, Ny-Ålesund (79°N) was about 43% with respect to a climatology of more than 30 years. The magnitude of the decrease declined by about 0.7% deg−1 moving south to reach nearly 15% at 40°N. In addition, it was found that the variations of the ozone column at each of the selected stations in March-May were similar to those observed at Ny-Ålesund but with a delay increasing to about 20 days at mid-latitudes with a gradient of approximately 0.5 days deg−1. The distributions of reconstructed ozone column anomalies over a sector covering a large European area show decreasing ozone that started from the north at the beginning of April 2020 and spread south. Such behavior was shown to be similar to that observed after the Arctic ozone depletion in 2011. Stratospheric dynamical patterns in March–May 2011 and during 2020 suggested that the migration of ozone-poor air masses from polar areas to the south after the vortex breakup caused the observed ozone responses. A brief survey of the ozone mass mixing ratios at three stratospheric levels showed the exceptional strength of the 2020 episode. Despite the stronger and longer-lasting Arctic ozone loss in 2020, the analysis in this work indicates a similar ozone response at latitudes below 50°N to both 2011 and 2020 phenomena. An Unprecedented Arctic Ozone Depletion Event During Spring 2020 and Its Impacts Across Europe

A systematic review of publications addressing change in vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)) after exposure to UV radiation identified 2001 independent peer-reviewed publications. Of these, 21 used artificial sources of UV radiation, met all inclusion criteria and were quality assured; 13 publications used solar radiation and met sufficient inclusion criteria to be retained as supporting evidence; 1 further included publication used both solar and artificial sources. The review consistently identified that low dose, sub-erythemal doses are more effective for vitamin D synthesis than doses close to a minimum erythema dose; increasing skin area exposed increases the amount of vitamin D synthesised although not necessarily in a linear manner; constant dosing leads to a dose-dependent plateau in 25OHD, and dose–response is greatest at the start of a dosing regime; there is a large interpersonal variation in response to UV exposure. Fourteen of the studies using artificial sources of radiation were used to determine a dose–response relationship for change in 25OHD on whole-body exposure to repeated sub-erythemal doses of UV radiation, taking the form Δ25OHD (nmol/L) = A ln(standard vitamin D dose) + B. This helps quantify our understanding of UV as a source of vitamin D and enables exposure regimes for safe synthesis of vitamin D to be assessed. Specific studies of people with pigmented skin (Fitzpatrick skin types 5 and 6) were rare, and this dose–response relationship is only applicable to white-skinned individuals as skin type is a determinant of response to UV radiation. Findings provide information for vitamin D guidance updates.

BackgroundCutaneous exposure to sunlight is a major source of vitamin D. Individuals with photosensitivity disorders have symptoms provoked by sunlight and may not achieve the brief sunlight exposures that convey vitamin D acquisition.ObjectiveTo explore knowledge, behaviour and attitudes towards vitamin D and its acquisition in patients with photosensitivity.MethodsPatients (n=19) diagnosed with solar urticaria, erythropoietic protoporphyria or polymorphic light eruption at a specialist photoinvestigation centre participated in semi‐structured focus groups to discuss vitamin D knowledge, acquisition behaviours, and attitudes towards vitamin D acquisition through sunlight and diet. Discussions were analysed by thematic analysis using MAXQDA11.ResultsKnowledge of vitamin D was variable. There was good awareness that sunlight exposure is an important source but knowledge of dietary sources was poor. Patients had little concern for their own vitamin D status prior to attending the photoinvestigation centre. Most patients avoided sunlight exposure, were unable to achieve the guidance on sun exposure for healthy individuals, and were aware this could affect their vitamin D status. Use of oral vitamin D supplements was common and all were willing to consider supplements if required. Patients recommended improving education of clinicians to increase patient awareness of vitamin D,ConclusionsMore targeted guidance is required on acquisition of vitamin D for patients with photosensitivity, supported by increased patient and clinician education.

Vitamin D is truly unique-not a 'vital' amine in the true sense of the word, but rather a prohormone, which is produced in the skin during exposure to sunlight (UVB radiation at 290-315 nm) and which can also be obtained from food and from supplements. A high prevalence of low vitamin D status has been reported across the world in a wide range of population groups, and this includes communities living in low latitude areas despite the abundance of sunlight. It is accepted that vitamin D status is reflected by the level of the circulating metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), which is produced by hepatic hydroxylation of vitamin D, derived either from the skin from UV exposure or the gut from oral intake. Vitamin D has been associated with a wide range of health outcomes, but controversies remain as to their exact nature and extent and whether associations are in the causal pathway. In order to enable wider discussions on this nutrient, a 'Hot Topic' Vitamin D Workshop achieved funding from the UK Nutrition Research Partnership Medical Research Council call. The objectives of the workshop were (1) to elucidate the role of vitamin D in human health and (2) develop strategies to improve vitamin D status in the UK population. This paper provides a detailed resume of the discussions of the workshop; of the presentations and concomitant QAs; and of identified areas for future research.

Background UVB absorption by 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) in the skin triggers the production of vitamin D and its metabolites, which maintain calcium homeostasis. Detection and measurement of 7DHC in skin using modern liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) techniques have been lacking, yet there is need for such a technique to provide more information on 7DHC concentration and its UVB responses in human skin. Objectives To develop and validate a reliable method to measure 7DHC concentration in skin. Methods Human skin punch biopsies of 5 mm diameter obtained through the Manchester Skin Health Biobank were utilised. 7DHC was extracted with ethyl acetate:methanol 1:1 (v/v) and derivatised using 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD), to allow for improved ionisation of 7DHC through Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI–MS). Solid supported liquid extraction (SLE) was also employed to allow the removal of larger lipids from 7DHC and minimise potential matrix effects. Results The LC–MS/MS assay satisfied International Council for Harmonisation research standards for method validation. Calibration curve was linear with a typical r2 of 0.997, coefficient of variation was 11.1% and 4.32% for inter-assay and intra-assay imprecision, respectively. Lower limit of quantification was 1.6 µg/g and upper limit of quantification was 100 µg/g, SLE recovery of 7DHC was on average 91.4%. Conclusions We have developed a robust, precise and accurate assay for the detection and quantification of 7DHC in small samples of human skin (0.2 cm2 surface area). This novel method of extraction and quantification will be valuable to future vitamin D photobiology research. Graphical Abstract

Vitamin D3 can be produced by exposing skin to UVB radiation or sourced through dietary products. It is often stated that vitamin D status declines in older adults, yet little is known about differences in current-day lifestyle and dietary behaviours influencing vitamin D outcomes in younger (18–40 years old) and older adults (65–89 years old). Our objectives were to perform a pilot study to compare sun exposure behaviours, i.e., time spent outdoors, holiday behaviour and use of sunscreen/clothing, and dietary vitamin D intake, in young and older adults in the UK, together with assessment of their vitamin D status. A total of 13 young and 11 older volunteers completed a four-page questionnaire to assess sun exposure and photoprotective behaviour and an eleven-page one-week vitamin D diet diary, alongside their plasma 25(OH)D measurement. It was found that the older group tended to spend more time outdoors during the working week in summer, to take more summer and winter holidays each year, take longer winter holidays and have similar sunscreen use when compared to younger adults. Older adults had a significantly higher daily dietary intake of vitamin D (4.0 μg) than young adults (2.4 μg). Mean winter 25(OH)D concentration was higher in older (56.9 nmol/L) than in young adults (43.2 nmol/L), but there was no statistical difference between the groups. Contrary to common assumptions, in this study, older adults had sun exposure and dietary behaviours conferring a vitamin D status at least as good as that of younger adults.

Exposure to sunlight is a major source of vitamin D for most people. Yet public health advice has focused overwhelmingly on avoiding exposure of unprotected skin because of the risks of erythema and skin cancer. Given that there are also health risks associated with low vitamin D status, we explore the possibilities of achieving a range of targets associated with vitamin D and the accompanying erythema risk. We have calculated the exposure required to gain a number of proposed oral-equivalent doses of vitamin D, as functions of latitude, season, skin type and skin area exposed, together with the associated risk of erythema, expressed in minimum erythema doses. The model results show that a recommended daily intake of 400 IU is readily achievable through casual sun exposure in the midday lunch hour, with no risk of erythema, for all latitudes some of the year, and for all the year at some (low) latitudes. We also show that such daily, sub-erythemal doses at lunchtime during the summer months is sufficient to avoid winter-time vitamin D deficiency for the UK all-weather climate, provided that lower arms and legs are exposed in the warmer months. At the higher proposed vitamin D dose of 1000 IU, lunchtime sun exposure is still a viable route to the vitamin but requires the commitment to expose greater areas of skin and is effective for a shorter period of the year. The highest vitamin D requirement considered was 4000 IU per day. For much of the globe and much of the year, this is not achievable in a lunchtime hour and where it is possible large areas of skin must be exposed to prevent erythema. When the only variable considered was skin type, latitudinal and seasonal limits on adequate vitamin D production were more restrictive for skin type 5 than skin type 2.

Tanning (melanisation and epidermal thickening) is a photoprotective response to solar UVR exposure, but it's unclear to what degree low-level exposures induce this in light-skin individuals, or whether this modifies the histological inflammatory response to UVR. Objectives were to examine if, in light-skin people, a simulated summer's casual sunlight exposures induces (i) melanogenesis, (ii) epidermal thickening and (iii) demonstrable protection against both clinical (erythema) and histological (neutrophil infiltration) impacts of higher-level, pro-inflammatory UVR challenge. A UVR intervention study was designed to simulate a summer's brief sunlight exposures (95% UVA, 5% UVB) as can provide sufficient vitamin D. Ten healthy adults of phototype II, median 47 years (range 30–59 years), 2 male/8 female, received 1.3 SED 3× weekly for 6 weeks, and were subsequently challenged with 2× personal MED of UVB on small areas of UVR-exposed and UVR-protected buttock skin. Skin erythema and pigmentation were measured spectrophotometrically. Punch biopsies were taken from (i) unexposed skin (ii) skin following the ×18 low-level UVR exposures and (iii) skin at 24 h following the 2 × MED challenge, with skin sections evaluated for epidermal thickness, and for neutrophil infiltration by immunohistochemistry. The 6-weeks’ UVR exposures significantly increased skin pigmentation, skin lightness (L*) reducing from 69.37 (SD 2.8) to 65.52 (2.33) at course-end (p < 0.001), and stratum corneum thickness rising from 29.3 (9.59) to 41.5 (12.7)μm (p < 0.05); there was no influence on neutrophil numbers. Following the pro-inflammatory (2× MED) UVR challenge, there was a small (18%) reduction in erythema but a proportionately greater (71%) reduction in neutrophil infiltration in skin prior-exposed to the UVR course compared with photoprotected skin (both p < 0.05). Thus, findings add to information on risk-benefit of low-level sunlight exposure. Even very light-skin people show measurable although modest photoprotective responses to repeated low-dose UVR; greater impact is seen on histological than clinical inflammation.

Spectral UV records of solar irradiance at stations over Europe, Canada, and Japan were used to study long-term trends at 307.5 nm for a 25-year period, from 1992 to 2016. Ground-based measurements of total ozone, as well as satellite measurements of the Aerosol Index, the Total Cloud Cover and the surface reflectivity were also used in order to attribute the estimated changes of the UV to the corresponding changes of these factors. The present study shows that over the Northern Hemisphere, the long-term changes in UV-B radiation reaching the Earth’s surface vary significantly over different locations, and that the main drivers of these variations are changes in aerosols and total ozone. At high latitudes, part of the observed changes may also be attributed to changes in the surface reflectivity. Over Japan, the UV-B irradiance at 307.5 nm has increased significantly by 3%/decade during the past 25 years, possibly due to the corresponding significant decrease of its absorption by aerosols. It was found that the greatest part of this increase took place before the mid-2000s. The only European station, over which UV radiation increases significantly, is that of Thessaloniki, Greece. Analysis of the clear-sky irradiance for the particular station shows increasing irradiance at 307.5 nm by 3.5%/decade during the entire period of study, with an increasing rate of change during the last decade, possibly again due to the decreasing absorption by aerosols.

Long-term trends of total column ozone (TCO), assessments of stratospheric ozone recovery, and satellite validation are underpinned by a reliance on daily best representative values from Brewer spectrophotometers and other ground-based ozone instruments. In turn reporting of these daily total column ozone values to the World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre (WOUDC) has traditionally been predicated upon a simple choice between direct sun (DS) and zenith sky (ZS) observations. For mid- and high-latitude monitoring sites impacted by cloud cover we discuss the potential deficiencies of this approach in terms of its rejection of otherwise valid observations and capability to evenly sample throughout the day. A new methodology is proposed that makes full use of all valid direct sun and zenith sky observations, accounting for unevenly spaced observations and their relative uncertainty, to calculate an improved estimate of the daily mean total column ozone. It is demonstrated that this method can increase the number of contributing observations by a factor of 2.5, increases the sampled time span, and reduces the spread of the representative time by half. The largest improvements in the daily mean estimate are seen on days with the smallest number of contributing direct sun observations. No effect on longer-term trends is detected, though for the sample data analysed we observe a mean increase of 2.8 DU (0.82 %) with respect to the traditional direct sun vs. zenith sky average choice. To complement the new calculation of a best representative value of total column ozone and separate its uncertainty from the spread of observations, we also propose reporting its standard error rather than the standard deviation, together with measures of the full range of values observed.

Background Solar UVR is a major cause of skin cancer but also an important source of vitamin D (VitD), essential for musculoskeletal health. Conflicting public health messages may confuse skin cancer patients prone to further skin cancer. Objective To explore the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of skin cancer patients to sunlight exposure and VitD sources. Methods Patients (n=10) previously treated for multiple basal cell cancer in a hospital setting, participated in focus group sessions with semi-structured discussions to explore: knowledge of VitD, sun-avoidance behaviour, and attitude towards sunlight exposure messages. Thematic data analysis was performed using software programme MAXQDA11. Results Pre-existing knowledge of VitD was low. Most patients practiced sun-avoidance and were not inclined to increase exposure. Patients did not perceive VitD deficiency as a substantial risk to their own health, or a need to take VitD supplements. They aimed to increase VitD status through dietary intake, but knowledge of food VitD content was lacking. Conclusions The skin cancer patients, appropriate to their heightened skin cancer risk, appeared unlikely to increase their sun-exposure to gain VitD. However, education is required regarding the generally low levels of VitD in foodstuffs, and the requirement for supplements/fortified foods if strict sun-avoidance is employed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of human skin has beneficial and harmful effects on health, including impact on immune function, inflammation and reportedly mood, but these are not fully elucidated. Since the endocannabinoid system is implicated in many activities including mood alteration, our objective was to (i) determine and quantify circulating levels of a wide range of endocannabinoid and N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) species (ii) evaluate whether these are modulated by cutaneous UVR exposures, as attained through repeated low level summer sunlight exposure. Wearing goggles to prevent eye exposure, 16 healthy volunteers (23–59 y; 10 light skin, phototype II, and 6 dark skin, phototype V) received the same UVR exposures (1.3 SED, 95% UVA/5% UVB) thrice weekly for 6 weeks, whilst casually dressed to expose ∼35% skin surface area. Blood samples were taken at baseline, days 1, 3 and 5 of week one, then at weekly intervals, and analysed by LC-MS/MS. Eleven endocannabinoids and NAEs were detected and quantified at baseline, with N-palmitoyl ethanolamine the most abundant (30% of total). Levels did not vary according to phototype (p > 0.05), except for the NAE docosapentaenoyl ethanolamide, which was higher in phototype II than V (p = 0.0002). Level of the endocannabinoid, 2-AG, was elevated during the UVR exposure course (p < 0.05 vs. baseline for all subjects; p < 0.01 for each phototype group), with maximum levels reached by week 2–3, while NAE species did not significantly alter. These findings suggest differential involvement of the cutaneous endocannabinoid system in low dose solar UVR responses in humans.

Exposure to sunlight is a major source of vitamin D for most people. Yet public health advice has focused overwhelmingly on avoiding exposure of unprotected skin because of the risks of erythema and skin cancer. Given that there are also health risks associated with low vitamin D status, we explore the possibilities of achieving a range of targets associated with vitamin D and the accompanying erythema risk. We have calculated the exposure required to gain a number of proposed oral-equivalent doses of vitamin D, as functions of latitude, season, skin type and skin area exposed, together with the associated risk of erythema, expressed in minimum erythema doses. The model results show that a recommended daily intake of 400 IU is readily achievable through casual sun exposure in the midday lunch hour, with no risk of erythema, for all latitudes some of the year, and for all the year at some (low) latitudes. We also show that such daily, sub-erythemal doses at lunchtime during the summer months is sufficient to avoid winter-time vitamin D deficiency for the UK all-weather climate, provided that lower arms and legs are exposed in the warmer months. At the higher proposed vitamin D dose of 1000 IU, lunchtime sun exposure is still a viable route to the vitamin but requires the commitment to expose greater areas of skin and is effective for a shorter period of the year. The highest vitamin D requirement considered was 4000 IU per day. For much of the globe and much of the year, this is not achievable in a lunchtime hour and where it is possible large areas of skin must be exposed to prevent erythema. When the only variable considered was skin type, latitudinal and seasonal limits on adequate vitamin D production were more restrictive for skin type 5 than skin type 2.

Review of the existing bibliography shows that the direction and magnitude of the long-term trends of UV irradiance, and their main drivers, vary significantly throughout Europe. Analysis of total ozone and spectral UV data recorded at four European stations during 1996&ndash, 2017 reveals that long-term changes in UV are mainly driven by changes in aerosols, cloudiness, and surface albedo, while changes in total ozone play a less significant role. The variability of UV irradiance is large throughout Italy due to the complex topography and large latitudinal extension of the country. Analysis of the spectral UV records of the urban site of Rome, and the alpine site of Aosta reveals that differences between the two sites follow the annual cycle of the differences in cloudiness and surface albedo. Comparisons between the noon UV index measured at the ground at the same stations and the corresponding estimates from the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) forecast model and the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI)/Aura observations reveal differences of up to 6 units between individual measurements, which are likely due to the different spatial resolution of the different datasets, and average differences of 0.5&ndash, 1 unit, possibly related to the use of climatological surface albedo and aerosol optical properties in the retrieval algorithms.

In recent years, UK public health messages about the risks of sunlight exposure (skin cancer) have been increasingly balanced by messages about its benefits (vitamin D production). Currently, data about the effects of this shift on public knowledge, awareness, and behaviour are scant. Thus, the objective of this paper is to report the findings of the first large-scale and representative survey of the awareness, knowledge, and behaviour of adults in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) (n = 2024) with respect to sunlight exposure, vitamin D, and sunburn and skin cancer. The findings suggest that the public in Great Britain is much more aware of public promotion of the risks of sunlight exposure than its benefits. That said, knowledge about sunlight exposure and vitamin D is fairly strong, though not with respect to the detail of the &lsquo, little and often&rsquo, approach. However, the survey also suggests that levels of sunlight exposure among the public are often excessive. The survey indicates that knowledge and behaviour are both less satisfactory among men and people in lower socio-economic groups. The paper concludes with recommendations for public health communications and for research in this area.

A number of inorganic (nitryl chloride, ClNO2; chlorine, Cl2; and hypochlorous acid, HOCl) and chlorinated, oxygenated volatile organic compounds (ClOVOCs) have been measured in Manchester, UK during October and November 2014 using time-of-flight chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (ToF-CIMS) with the I− reagent ion. ClOVOCs appear to be mostly photochemical in origin, although direct emission from vehicles is also suggested. Peak concentrations of ClNO2, Cl2 and HOCl reach 506, 16 and 9 ppt respectively. The concentrations of ClNO2 are comparable to measurements made in London, but measurements of ClOVOCs, Cl2 and HOCl by this method are the first reported in the UK. Maximum HOCl and Cl2 concentrations are found during the day and ClNO2 concentrations remain elevated into the afternoon if photolysis rates are low. Cl2 exhibits a strong dependency on shortwave radiation, further adding to the growing body of evidence that it is a product of secondary chemistry. However, night-time emission is also observed. The contribution of ClNO2, Cl2 and ClOVOCs to the chlorine radical budget suggests that Cl2 can be a greater source of Cl than ClNO2, contributing 74 % of the Cl radicals produced on a high radiant-flux day. In contrast, on a low radiant-flux day, this drops to 14 %, as both Cl2 production and loss pathways are inhibited by reduced photolysis rates. This results in ClNO2 making up the dominant fraction (83 %) on low radiant-flux days, as its concentrations are still high. As most ClOVOCs appear to be formed photochemically, they exhibit a similar dependence on photolysis, contributing 3 % of the Cl radical budget observed here.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is required for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, and experimental studies have indicated the levels of sun exposure required to avoid a vitamin D deficient status. Our objectives are to examine the sun exposure behaviours of different United Kingdom sectors and to identify if their exposure is enough to maintain winter circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D above deficiency (&gt, 25 nmol/L). Data are from a series of human studies involving &gt, 500 volunteers and performed using the same protocols in Greater Manchester, UK (53.5&deg, N) in healthy white Caucasian adolescents and working-age adults (skin type I&ndash, IV), healthy South Asian working-age adults (skin type V), and adults with photodermatoses (skin conditions caused or aggravated by cutaneous sun exposure). Long-term monitoring of the spectral ambient UVR of the Manchester metropolitan area facilitates data interpretation. The healthy white populations are exposed to 3% ambient UVR, contrasting with ~1% in South Asians. South Asians and those with photodermatoses wear clothing exposing smaller skin surface area, and South Asians have the lowest oral vitamin D intake of all groups. Sun exposure levels prevent winter vitamin D deficiency in 95% of healthy white adults and 83% of adolescents, while 32% of the photodermatoses group and &gt, 90% of the healthy South Asians were deficient. The latter require increased oral vitamin D, whilst their sun exposure provides a tangible contribution and might convey other health benefits.

Sunlight exposure, with resulting cutaneous synthesis, is a major source of vitamin D for many, while dietary intake is low in modern diets. The constitutive pigment in skin determines skin type, observed as white, brown, or black skin. The melanin pigment absorbs ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and protects underlying skin from damage caused by UVR. It also reduces the UVR available for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. It has been shown that the white-skinned population of the UK are able to meet their vitamin D needs with short, daily lunchtime exposures to sunlight. We have followed the same methodology, based on a 10-year UK all-weather UVR climatology, observation (sun exposure, diet, vitamin D status), and UVR intervention studies with Fitzpatrick skin type V (brown) adults, to determine whether sunlight at UK latitudes could provide an adequate source of vitamin D for this section of the population. Results show that to meet vitamin D requirements, skin type V individuals in the UK need ~25 min daily sunlight at lunchtime, from March to September. This makes several assumptions, including that forearms and lower legs are exposed June–August; only exposing hands and face at this time is inadequate. For practical and cultural reasons, enhanced oral intake of vitamin D should be considered for this population.

The body gains vitamin D through both oral intake (diet/supplementation) and synthesis in skin upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Sun exposure is the major source for most people even though sun exposure is complex and limited by climate and culture. We aimed to quantify the sun exposure required to meet vitamin D targets year-round and determine whether this can be safely achieved in a simply defined manner in the UK as an alternative to increasing vitamin D oral intake. Data from observation (sun exposure, diet, and vitamin D status) and UVR intervention studies performed with white Caucasian adults were combined with modeled all-weather UVR climatology. Daily vitamin D effective UVR doses (all-weather) were calculated across the UK based on ten-year climatology for pre-defined lunchtime exposure regimes. Calculations then determined the time necessary to spend outdoors for the body to gain sufficient vitamin D levels for year-round needs without being sunburnt under differing exposure scenarios. Results show that, in specified conditions, white Caucasians across the UK need nine minutes of daily sunlight at lunchtime from March to September for 25(OH)D levels to remain ≥25 nmol/L throughout the winter. This assumes forearms and lower legs are exposed June-August, while in the remaining, cooler months only hands and face need be exposed. Exposing only the hands and face throughout the summer does not meet requirements.

Background: To enable food-based strategies for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency to be evidence-based, there is a need to develop integrated predictive models of population serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] that are responsive to both solar and dietary inputs of vitamin D. Objectives: The objectives of this work were to develop and validate an integrated mathematical model with the use of data on UVB availability, exposure, and dietary intake to predict serum 25(OH)D concentrations in a nationally representative sample of adults, and then test the models performance with the use of 3 hypothetical fortification scenarios as exemplars. Methods: Data on UVB availability and hours of sunlight in Ireland were used in a mathematical model to predict serum 25 (OH)D in Irish adults aged 18‐64 y. An equation from our dose-related vitamin D supplementation trial in adults was developed and integrated into the model, which allowed us to predict the impact of changes in dietary vitamin D to the contribution to annual serum 25(OH)D concentrations, accounting for seasonality of UVB availability. Recently published estimates of the impact of 3 vitamin D food fortification scenarios on vitamin D intake in a representative sample of Irish adults were used in the model as a test. Results: The UVB- and vitamin D intake‐serum 25(OH)D components of the integrated model were both validated with the use of independent data. The model predicted that the percentage vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D

This study describes a dual-channel array spectrometer system designed to make high-frequency simultaneous spectral global irradiance and direct solar irradiance measurements covering the visible and ultraviolet wavelength ranges. The dual-channel nature of the instrument allows spectrally integrated quantities (e.g., erythema or vitamin D) to be calculated at a rate similar to broadband instruments while retrieving total column ozone (TCO) from the direct solar channel. The characterization and calibration of the instrument is discussed, with emphasis on temperature stabilization (R2 = 0.954 is found for all individual measurements, although this is reduced to 0.908 for daily means. TCO retrievals are limited to airmass values < 4 primarily because of residual structure in the transmission spectrum that cannot be attributed to other trace gases. These results are encouraging and suggest that similar instrument designs could make a significant and relatively low-cost contribution to surface measurements of atmospheric radiation.

A detailed map of the available UV across the UK from 2003 to 2012 is provided. A suite of data derived from climatologies and satellite observations are used to calculate spectral UV irradiance and related weighted doses (erythema, DNA damage, vitamin D). The result is a well-validated tool that has two advantages: (i) the output is simulated spectral UV irradiance that can be weighted with any action spectrum for use in any research studies that require ambient UV data, (ii) reliance on instruments with planned operational lives of at least several years that ensures data and method homogeneity for extension to future studies. The model-derived doses are satisfactory validated against spectral ground-based measurements at two sites. According to the calculated climatology, the southern part of the UK receives 1.5-2 times more UV than the north during spring, summer and autumn. During wintertime, the UV doses in the far north are an order of magnitude lower than southern values. Even for the same latitude, regional variations of cloudiness result in doses at coastal sites being up to 25% higher than inland areas.

Two radiative transfer models are presented that simplify calculations of street canyon spectral irradiances with minimum data input requirements, allowing better assessment of urban exposures than can be provided by standard unobstructed radiation measurements alone. Fast calculations improve the computational performance of radiation models, when numerous repetitions are required in time and location. The core of the models is the calculation of the spectral diffuse-to-global ratios (DGR) from an unobstructed global spectral measurement. The models are based on, and have been tested against, outcomes of the SMARTS2 algorithm (i.e. Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine). The modelled DGRs can then be used to partition global spectral irradiance values into their direct and diffuse components for different solar zenith angles. Finally, the effects of canyon obstructions can be evaluated independently on the direct and diffuse components, which are then recombined to give the total canyon irradiance. The first model allows ozone and aerosol inputs, while the second provides a further simplification, restricted to average ozone and aerosol contents but specifically designed for faster calculations. To assess the effect of obstructions and validate the calculations, a set of experiments with simulated obstructions (simulated canyons) were performed. The greatest source of uncertainty in the simplified calculations is in the treatment of diffuse radiation. The measurement-model agreement is therefore dependent on the region of the sky obscured and ranges from

Measurements are presented of the phase function, P11, and asymmetry parameter, g ,o f five ice clouds created in a laboratory cloud chamber. At � 7 1C, two clouds were created: one comprised entirely of solid columns, and one comprised entirely of hollow columns. Similarly at � 15 1C, two clouds were created: one consisting of solid plates and one consisting of hollow plates. At � 30 1C, only hollow particles could be created within the constraints of the experiment. The resulting cloud at � 30 1C contained short hollow columns and thick hollow plates. During the course of each experiment, the cloud properties were monitored using a Cloud Particle Imager (CPI). In addition to this, ice crystal replicas were created using formvar resin. By examining the replicas under an optical microscope, two different internal structures were identified. The internal and external facets were measured and used to create geometric particle models with realistic internal structures. Theoretical results were calculated using both Ray Tracing (RT) and Ray Tracing with Diffraction on Facets (RTDF). Experimental and theoretical results are compared to assess the impact of internal structure on P 11 and g and the applicability of RT and RTDF for hollow columns. & 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Vitamin D is vital for musculoskeletal health and has been associated with protection against several internal cancers and auto-immune diseases. Skin synthesis following exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is the major source of the vitamin, with diet providing only small amounts. Skin synthesis requires sunlight exposure containing sufficient UVB to initiate vitamin D synthesis, which precludes the winter months at mid-high latitudes, including the UK. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This paper presents an implementation of digital image processing tools, in order to reconstruct building geometries and urban sky view factors for individual street canyons around the world. By using the Google Street View image database, it is possible to reconstruct canyon fisheye images at any point where a Google panorama is available. The Hugin software allows the geometrically correct merging of independent images in order to create a fisheye projection, covering the upper hemispheric view of the sky. Sky view factor calculations may then be performed by specialised software on the reconstructed fisheye image. In order to analyse the fitness of reconstructed panoramas, control images taken with a fisheye lens camera were used for comparison. The Rayman model was then used to calculate total shortwave global irradiances from the restricted canyon view and from a full hemispheric view. Finally, total shortwave global irradiances were measured for the same position in the street canyon and compared against observatory measurements under a full sky view, this in order to evaluate the performance and usefulness of idealised calculations. The reconstructed urban geometries returned acceptable fine-scale descriptions, and their potential utility for scientific purposes in the atmospheric sciences was demonstrated with the examples provided.

Public health guidance recommends limiting sun exposure to sub-sunburn levels, but it is unknown whether these can gain vitamin D (for musculoskeletal health) while avoiding epidermal DNA damage (initiates skin cancer). Well-characterized healthy humans of all skin types (I–VI, lightest to darkest skin) were exposed to a low-dose series of solar simulated UVR of 20%–80% their individual sunburn threshold dose (minimal erythema dose). Significant UVR dose responses were seen for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and whole epidermal cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), with as little as 0.2 minimal erythema dose concurrently producing 25-hydroxyvitamin D and CPD. Fractional MEDs generated equivalent levels of whole epidermal CPD and 25-hydroxyvitamin D across all skin types. Crucially, we showed an epidermal gradient of CPD formation strongly correlated with skin darkness (r = 0.74, P < 0.0001), which reflected melanin content and showed increasing protection across the skin types, ranging from darkest skin, where high CPD levels occurred superficially, with none in the germinative basal layer, to lightest skin, where CPD levels were induced evenly across the epidermal depth. People with darker skin can be encouraged to use sub-sunburn UVR-exposure to enhance their vitamin D. In people with lighter skin, basal cell damage occurs concurrent with vitamin D synthesis at exquisitely low UVR levels, providing an explanation for their high skin cancer incidence; greater caution is required.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D status is prevalent in wintertime in populations at northerly latitudes. Photosensitive patients are advised to practise sun avoidance, but their sunlight exposure levels, photoprotective measures and resulting vitamin D status are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine seasonal vitamin D status in photosensitive patients relative to healthy individuals and to assess quantitatively behavioural and demographic contributors. METHODS: This was a longitudinal prospective cohort study (53�5�N) examining year-round 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, sun-exposure behaviour and oral vitamin D intake in photosensitive patients diagnosed at a photoinvestigation unit (n�=�53), compared with concurrently assessed healthy adults (n�=�109). RESULTS: Photosensitive patients achieved seasonal 25(OH)D variation, but insufficient (

BACKGROUND: Long-standing concerns over the vitamin D status of South Asian adults in the U.K. require studies using statistically valid sample sizes to measure annual variation and contributory lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVES: To measure annual variation in the vitamin D status of U.K. South Asians, to determine the associated lifestyle influences, and to compare these with a similar study of white adults. METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort study measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], sunlight exposure levels and lifestyle factors for 1 year in 125 ambulant South Asian adults with sun-reactive skin type V, aged 20-60 years, in Greater Manchester, U.K. (53�5�N). RESULTS: The 25(OH)D levels of South Asians were alarmingly low. In summer, their median 25(OH)D level was 9�0 ng mL(-1) , [interquartile range (IQR) 6�7-13�1], falling to 5�8 ng mL(-1) (IQR 4�0-8�1) in winter. This compared with values in the white population of 26�2 ng mL(-1) (IQR 19�9-31�5) in summer and 18�9 ng mL(-1) IQR (11�6-23�7) in winter. Median daily dietary vitamin D was lower in South Asians (1�32 ?g vs. 3�26 ?g for white subjects) and was compounded by low supplement use. Despite similar times spent outdoors, ultraviolet (UV) dosimeters recorded lower personal UV exposure among South Asians, indicating sun avoidance when outside, while sun exposure diaries recorded lower amounts of skin surface exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of South Asians never reached sufficiency in vitamin D status. Lifestyle differences, with lower oral intake, sun exposure and rates of cutaneous production due to darker skin, indicate that standard advice on obtaining sufficient vitamin D needs modification for the South Asian community in the U.K.

The UV Index was established more than 20 years ago as a tool for sun protection and health care. Shortly after its introduction, UV Index monitoring started in several countries either by newly acquired instruments or by converting measurements from existing instruments into the UV Index. The number of stations and networks has increased over the years. Currently, 160 stations in 25 European countries deliver online values to the public via the Internet. In this paper an overview of these UV Index monitoring sites in Europe is given. The overview includes instruments as well as quality assurance and quality control procedures. Furthermore, some examples are given about how UV Index values are presented to the public. Through these efforts, 57% of the European population is supplied with high quality information, enabling them to adapt behaviour. Although health care, including skin cancer prevention, is cost-effective, a proportion of the European population still doesn't have access to UV Index information.

Within Europe, dark-skinned ethnic groups have been shown to be at much increased risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to their white counterparts. Increasing the dietary supply of vitamin D is potentially the only modifiable environmental component that can be used to prevent vitamin D deficiency among dark-skinned ethnic groups living at high latitude. Empirical data to support development of such strategies is largely lacking. This paper presents the development and validation of an integrated model that may be adapted within the UK population to design fortification strategies for vitamin D, for application in both white and black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) population groups. Using a step-wise approach, models based on available ultraviolet B (UVB) data, hours of sunlight and two key components (the dose-response of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] to UVB in white and BAME persons and the dose-response of 25(OH)D to vitamin D) were used to predict changes population serum 25(OH)D concentrations throughout the year, stratified by ethnicity, 'via increases' in dietary intake arising from food fortification simulations. The integrated model successfully predicted measured average wintertime 25(OH)D concentrations in addition to the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D30nmol/L in adult white and BAME individuals (18-70y) in the UK-based National Diet and Nutrition Survey both separately (21.7% and 49.3% predicted versus 20.2% and 50.5% measured, for white and BAME, respectively) and when combined at UK population-relevant proportions of 97% white and 7% BAME (23.2% predicted versus 23.1% measured). Thus this integrated model presents a viable approach to estimating changes in the population concentrations of 25(OH)D that may arise from various dietary fortification approaches.

Context: Vitamin D is essential for bone health in adolescence, when there is rapid bone mineral content accrual. Because cutaneous sun exposure provides Vitamin D, there is no recommended oral intake for UK adolescents. Objective: Our objective was to assess seasonal Vitamin D status and its contributors in white Caucasian adolescents and examine bone health in those found deficient. Design: Prospective cohort study was undertaken. Setting: Six schools in Greater Manchester, UK, were included. Participants: Participants were 131 adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age. Intervention(s): Seasonal assessment of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), personal sun exposure, and dietary Vitamin D. Adolescents deficient (25OHD

Aerosols play an important role in attenuating solar radiation reaching the earth's surface and are thus important inputs to climate models. Aerosol optical depth is routinely measured in the visible range but little data in the ultraviolet (UV) are available. In the UV range it can be determined from Langley plots of direct-sun measurements from the Brewer spectrophotometer (where conditions allow) and can also be determined as the residual once the ozone and sulfur dioxide have been accounted for in the extinction observed during a normal Brewer direct-sun measurement. By comparing aerosol optical depth derived from Brewer direct-sun data in both the United Kingdom and Malaysia, two very different locations, it is determined that while most of the existing global Brewer network could contribute to aerosol optical depth data, further analysis, such as calculation of the Ångström parameter, would be dependent on latitude and sky conditions.

BACKGROUND: The cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D is dependent on UVB from sunlight, but melanin reduces the penetration of UVB and thus contributes to vitamin D insufficiency in individuals with darker skin. The national guidance provided on amounts of sunlight exposure in the United Kingdom is for the light-skinned population, and in the absence of dedicated information, darker-skinned people may attempt to follow this guidance. OBJECTIVES: We determined the relative effect of a simulation of UK recommendations of summer sunlight exposure on the vitamin D status of individuals of South Asian ethnicity compared with that of whites. DESIGN: In a prospective cohort study, simulated summer sunlight exposures were provided under rigorous dosimetric conditions to 15 adults (aged 20-60 y) of South Asian ethnicity, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured weekly. Dietary vitamin D intake was estimated. Outcomes were compared with those of 109 whites (aged 20-60 y) treated with the identical UV-radiation exposure protocol. RESULTS: At baseline (winter trough), all South Asians were vitamin D-insufficient [25(OH)D concentrations

Exposure to sunlight, specifically the ultraviolet radiation, has both positive and negative health effects. Maximizing the benefits (vitamin D synthesis) while minimizing the damage is a multifaceted problem in which many of the elements are poorly quantified. Here we show how rigorously conducted large sample size laboratory studies of the effect of ultraviolet radiation dose on vitamin D status can be applied to real-life situations. This was achieved by modeling the radiation incident on different surfaces for different solar locations, and equating with the controlled exposures in the laboratory studies. Results from both model and experimental data show that relatively short exposures of a modest amount of unprotected skin to summer sunlight in northern climes, on a regular basis during lunchtime hours, increases vitamin D to sufficiency status (≥20 ng mL(-1) ) in the white Caucasian population. While both sun exposure conditions and human skin responses are variable in real life, these quantitative findings provide a guide for authorities devising sunlight exposure recommendations.

In this study we present the UK's total ozone and UV data records, their measurement and preliminary processing, and discuss the observed trends. Notably, we combine the records from the Camborne and Reading sites to obtain a single ozone data series for southern England—a total duration of 30 years. Two-section linear trends and cross-over years are determined for Lerwick and southern England, both annually and seasonally. The observed minimum using this technique in the UK ozone record is found to occur during the year 1993. Significant trends of − 4.8% per decade for southern England and − 5.8% per decade for Lerwick are seen prior to the mid-1990s; the rate of decrease in the UK being at the upper limit of other European stations. No significant ozone trend is seen for the latter period in either location in contrast with Europe as a whole. We, additionally, compare the satellite-derived total ozone trends for both locations. The UV record at Reading showed a significant trend from 1993 to 2008 in the daily maximum UV index record (6.6% per decade), despite no significant recovery in the total ozone data series, suggesting a reduction in cloud cover during the midday period. Filtering data to remove other factors shows the erythemal UV to have an ozone-dependent trend of − 0.11% per year, but this is not statistically significant. We find no correlation between anomalies in the surface UV and total ozone records suggesting that the majority of the inter-annual variability is due to changes in cloud cover and other effects. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society

The standard erythema action spectrum provides an internationally accepted representation of the erythema-inducing effectiveness of wavelengths in the UV part of the spectrum. The action spectrum forms the basis of the UV index used for public health information, defines the standard erythema dose unit and the minimum erythema dose and is the default response spectrum aspired to by a range of UV radiometer manufacturers. However, there are several versions of this erythema action spectrum in use, and only one of them has been endorsed as a standard. While the differences in erythemally weighted radiation incurred by choice of action spectrum will be no more than a few percent, this uncertainty is unnecessary. Here we detail the differences in the different versions of erythema action spectra, illustrate the resulting effects in quantifying UV doses and encourage readers to use only the standard version of the action spectrum in the future.

Several UV data products derived from satellite measurements, 1-D and 3-D radiative transfer modeling are compared with high-quality ground-based measurements. Data products include the UV index, erythemally weighted daily dose and spectrally resolved UV irradiances at 305, 310, 324 and 380 nm. The study focuses on the UV radiation climate in mountainous terrain under cloud-free conditions. The results show, that overall the 3-D- and the 1-D-model agree best with the measurements (average ratio 1.10 and 1.13, range 0.88-1.6). It is also found that snow and local topography have a rather minor impact on ground UV-irradiance, while altitude plays a significant role >5 %). Satellite-retrieved values significantly underestimate irradiance for most of our stations due to erroneous cloud correction (average ratio 0.89, range 0.6-1.35). However, if one compares the uncorrected (cloud-free) satellite-retrieved values to the measurements, the ratios are only slightly larger (average ratio 1.14, range 0.8 - 1.6) than for the 1-D- and 3-D-model. The main deficiencies arise in determining the correct surface height and albedo within the satellite-retrieval algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is necessary for bone health and is potentially protective against a range of malignancies. Opinions are divided on whether the proposed optimal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level (? 32 ng mL?�) is an appropriate and feasible target at population level. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether personal sunlight exposure levels can provide vitamin D sufficient (? 20 ng mL?�) and optimal status in the U.K. public. METHODS: This prospective cohort study measured circulating 25(OH)D monthly for 12 months in 125 white adults aged 20-60 years in Greater Manchester. Dietary vitamin D and personal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure were assessed over 1-2 weeks in each season. The primary analysis determined the post-summer peak 25(OH)D required to maintain sufficiency in wintertime. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin D remained low in all seasons (median 3�27 ?g daily, range 2�76-4�15) while personal UVR exposure levels were high in spring and summer, low in autumn and negligible in winter. Mean 25(OH)D levels were highest in September [28�4 ng mL?�; 28% optimal, zero deficient (

BACKGROUND: Photosensitivity disorders involve an abnormal skin reaction to sunlight exposure and affect a substantial percentage of the population. No previous studies have directly compared lifestyle attributes between photosensitive and healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of photosensitivity on time spent outdoors in the U.K., holiday behaviour, use of sunscreens and vitamin D supplements, and employment status. METHODS: Questionnaires were completed by ambulant photosensitive and healthy adults aged 18-60 years residing in Greater Manchester. RESULTS: Forty-five adults with moderate-severe photosensitivity and 124 healthy adults completed the questionnaire. This revealed that photosensitive subjects spent significantly less time outdoors in the U.K. on both summer weekdays (P < 0�01) and summer weekends (P < 0�0001) than healthy subjects, took fewer holidays per year (P < 0�05), and spent less time outdoors on a sunny holiday (P < 0�0001). They wore clothing that covered a wider skin area (P < 0�0001), and use of sunscreen was greater (both frequency of application and area covered) in the photosensitive group outside of holiday time (P < 0�0001), but not when on a sunny holiday, as healthy people increased their sunscreen use at this time. Despite the reduced sun exposure, photosensitive subjects were no more likely to take vitamin D supplements than healthy subjects were; they also exhibited a significantly higher rate of unemployment (P?0�05). CONCLUSIONS: Photosensitivity disorders negatively influence lifestyle including employment status; more attention is required to the socioeconomic impact of these conditions.

Purpose: To determine the potential risk of epileptic seizures from wind turbine shadow flicker under various meteorologic conditions. Methods: We extend a previous model to include attenuation of sunlight by the atmosphere using the libradtran radiative transfer code. Results: Under conditions in which observers look toward the horizon with their eyes open we find that there is risk when the observer is closer than 1.2 times the total turbine height when on land, and 2.8 times the total turbine height in marine environments, the risk limited by the size of the image of the sun's disc on the retina. When looking at the ground, where the shadow of the blade is cast, observers are at risk only when at a distance

The Convective Storm Initiation Project (CSIP) took place during the summers of 2004 and 2005, centred on the research radar at Chilbolton, UK. Precursors to convective precipitation were studied, using a comprehensive and broad-based range of fieldwork and modelling. The principal aim of CSIP was the detection of the primary and secondary initiation of convective cells. The Universities Facility for Atmospheric Measurements (UFAM) Cessna 182 was used to map temperature and humidity fields over a broad area within and beyond the Chilbolton radar beam. Additionally, air motion was measured using a new turbulence probe, the AIMMS20AQ. The performance of the probe is critically appraised, based on calibrations, test flights and data flights flown during CSIP intensive operating periods. In general, the probe performed well, although some aspects require more careful data interpretation which we describe in detail.