Abstract

GONZALEZ RAMIREZ, F.A. et al. Evaluation of the solar radiation UV-B in Tepic, Nayarit: implications in Sun and beach tourism. Revista bio ciencias [online]. 2022, vol.9, e1325.  Epub Apr 12, 2024. ISSN 2007-3380.  https://doi.org/10.15741/revbio.09.e1325.

UV radiation present in sunlight is essential in several environmental processes on the planet, including water and air decontamination, and waste disintegration, among others. However, in humans, UV radiation overexposure may result in acute and/or chronic conditions with harmful effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system; in the long term, radiation-induced degenerative changes in cells, fibrous tissue, and blood vessels lead to premature skin aging. Prolonged exposure time causes harmful effects on humans and other living beings, causing biological damage and even DNA alterations. For that reason, in this work, UV-B radiation levels were evaluated through a statistical analysis of time series data corresponding to the city of Tepic, Nayarit, obtained from the Mexican Solarimetric Network (RESOLMEX), to determine the UV-B index intensity and variability. Additionally, the level of knowledge about the UV index of sun and beach tourists on the coast of Nayarit was evaluated to study their experience of exposure to solar radiation without care or protection. The knowledge of the UV index and its implications on health helps the tourist to become aware and, with it, the decision to protect themselves, reduce the time of sun exposure, and modify their behavior to make responsible decisions during recreational activities, which protect them from the damage caused by overexposure to UV radiation.

Keywords : UVI; MED/h; UV-B radiation; RESOLMEX; sun and beach tourism.