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. 2019 Jan 24;9(1):733.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36850-x.

Relationship between ultraviolet index (UVI) and first-, second- and third-degree sunburn using the Probit methodology

J F Sánchez-Pérez  1 , D Vicente-Agullo  2 , M Barberá  2 , E Castro-Rodríguez  3 , M Cánovas  4
Affiliations

Relationship between ultraviolet index (UVI) and first-, second- and third-degree sunburn using the Probit methodology

J F Sánchez-Pérez et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

In this paper, a relation between the ultraviolet index (UVI) as a Sun exposure time and its effects in the form of burns according to the skin type has been elaborated. Moreover, we present a new expression that relates the intensity of solar radiation and the UVI, as well as expressions to obtain the percentage of population affected both by first and second degree lllsunburn for every skin-type. The results have been adjusted and validated through experimental results taken from the bibliography. Finally, this paper presents a table where the population can easily interpret the UVI values and calculate the maximum time one can be exposed to solar radiation without getting sunburn. In addition, this article aims to raise awareness of the potential harm caused by solar radiation by indicating the percentage of population affected by different types of sunburn depending on skin-type. Moreover, ultraviolet exposure to sunlight could not just result in sunburn, but also have long-term effects on eyes, or even cause immune system disorders or melanoma. Therefore, managing risk perception with this useful table could familiarize the population with actual harm prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relationship between exposure time for the appearance of first-degree sunburn and UV index for several skin types and 1 Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) according to DIN-5050, for clear sky days. Built from the information given by,–.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Relationship between UVI and intensity of ultraviolet radiation for the beginning of first-degree sunburn in skin type II.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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