Summary:
Solar ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface belongs to the
spectral region of UV-A (320-400 nm) and UV-B (250-320 nm). It is being
modulated by a variety of factors such as atmospheric components, cloud cover
and the kind of the underlying surface. Solar erythema, tanning of the skin,
various skin malignancies, ocular problems and the cutaneous production of
vitamin D are amongst the common effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. Skin
type defines the sensitivity which is also being depicted on the sunburn time
that cannot be considered as safe time. Given the need for protection from the
solar ultraviolet radiation, sunscreens are being proposed as a complementary
measure of protection. Modern sunscreen preparations contain organic chemical
absorbers or / and nanoparticles of the metal oxides of titanium and zinc. The
aforementioned are the active ingredients of sunscreens, which also contain a
large number of other substances, such as antioxidants and inactive
ingredients. Their function depends on their ability to scatter and / or absorb
in the wavelength range of solar ultraviolet radiation. Many sunscreen filters
have the ability to cause sensitivity and photosensitivity reactions, oxidative
reactions, inhibit the cutaneous production of vitamin D and penetrate the
dermal barrier. Furthermore, they have been associated with endocrine and
reproductive disorders in vitro and in vivo, such as changes in the uterine
weight and estrous cycles, and with feminization of secondary sexual
characteristics of male experimental animals. The real exposure involves a
mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the result of the parallel
exposure may be unpredictable. A large amount of sunscreen filters ends up in
the environment and mainly in the aquatic receivers. These filters are
environmental pollutants, can be bioaccumulated and transferred along the food
chain. Their confirmed ability to cause damages to the aquatic ecosystems, such
as in the characteristic case of coral bleaching, justifies the
characterization of their presence in the natural environment as a “new
emerging environmental danger”.
Keywords:
Solar ultraviolet radiation, Sunscreen products, Sunburn time, Endocrine disorders, Environmental pollutants
