UV Radiation Exposure of Outdoor Workers in Antarctica.

The Antarctic region is a place of increasing interest. A growing number of personnel are working outdoors in extreme environmental conditions. They receive significant exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and are thereby at increased risk of adverse consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the UVR dose received by the outdoor workers at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base. Ten Caucasian healthy subjects, 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of 38 years (29-51) were enrolled. Of them, 5 were scientists and 5 were logistic workers. We measured the accumulated daily dose of UVR assessed by standard erythemal dose (SED) in the two groups. All subjects wore personal dosimeters located near the face-he only noncovered skin area. The dosimeters were factory calibrated for use in the Antarctic region. No statistical difference (P = 0.441) could be revealed between the SEDs in the two groups. The maximum UVR dose detected in a single day was 67.9 SEDs, and the highest cumulative dose was 548.03 SEDs. Study results are showing extreme measurements of UVR received by the members of the expeditions. We suggest meticulous UV protection for outdoor workers.

Prolonged but not short exposure to the climate in Antarctica is associated with increased skin barrier permeability, erythema, and pigmentation

Background: Exposome factors originating from the surrounding environment influence skin structure and physiology. Climate conditions (cold, high air humidity), solar radiation, and air pollutants induce epidermal barrier breakdown, and stimulate oxidative stress effects on the skin. It is currently unclear how skin barrier permeability, as well as skin pigmentation and inflammation, is affected by environmental factors in Antarctica. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short (four days) and longer (30 days) exposure to climate conditions of Antarctica on skin physiology parameters. Materials & Methods: Nineteen Caucasian healthy subjects were enrolled into two groups: Group 1 comprised nine subjects exposed to climate conditions of Antarctica for a short period (four days), and Group 2 comprised 10 subjects who spent 30 days under the same conditions. Skin physiological parameters, namely transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, and erythema and melanin indices, were evaluated non-invasively at two locations­the cheek and volar forearm. In vivo skin carotenoid levels were assessed using a non-invasive, reflectance spectroscopy-based device. Results: Facial skin displayed increased TEWL, erythema and melanin levels, while no such difference between groups could be disclosed for volar forearm skin. In addition, no significant differences were observed for hydration and skin carotenoid levels. Conclusion: We disclose differences in skin physiology between the two groups, mainly affecting environment-exposed facial skin. Prolonged contact to exposome factors resulted in epidermal barrier impairment and an inflammatory response, while the increased melanin content may be a defensive mechanism of adaptation.