Study and characterization of global solar radiation and incident UV in the city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico

Abstract

Controlled sun exposure can greatly benefit vitamin D synthesis, however, irresponsible sun exposure can cause considerable biological damage. Among the extraterrestrial solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface, UV rays are characterized by having the shortest wavelengths (less than 400 nm) and the highest frequencies, which is why they concentrate a large amount of energy. In particular, radiation with wavelengths less than 300 nm can alter DNA molecules and cause biological damage such as skin changes, cataracts, possible mutations, immunosuppression, photoaging and many other conditions. Therefore, this research estimates the global solar radiation and the incident daily UV radiation, as well as the UV index in order to identify the possible dose of absorbed radiation and consequently identify the relevant protection actions for the local population.