Solar ultraviolet radiation exposure and human health in South Africa: Finding a balance Caradee Y Wright, Mary Norval, Beverley Summers, Lester M Davids, Gerrie Coetzee, et al. South African Medical Journal, 2012 In considering the likelihood of South Africa (SA) attaining the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, many health issues require urgent attention. The adverse effect of insufficient or excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may exacerbate an already stressed public health service. These concerns become important when considering climate variability and patterns of behaviour.
The impact of solar ultraviolet radiation on human health in sub-Saharan Africa Caradee Y. Wright, Mary Norval, Beverley Summers, Lester Davids, Gerrie Coetzee, et al. South African Journal of Science, 2012 Photoprotection messages and ‘SunSmart’ programmes exist mainly to prevent skin cancers and, more recently, to encourage adequate personal sun exposure to elicit a vitamin D response for healthy bone and immune systems. Several developed countries maintain intensive research networks and monitor solar UV radiation to support awareness campaigns and intervention development. The situation is different in sub-Saharan Africa. Adequate empirical evidence of the impact of solar UV radiation on human health, even for melanomas and cataracts, is lacking, and is overshadowed by other factors such as communicable diseases, especially HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis. In addition, the established photoprotection messages used in developed countries have been adopted and implemented in a limited number of sub-Saharan countries but with minimal understanding of local conditions and behaviours. In this review, we consider the current evidence for sun-related effects on human health in sub-Saharan Africa, summarise published research and identify key issues. Data on the prevalence of human diseases affected by solar UV radiation in all subpopulations are not generally available, financial support is insufficient and the infrastructure to address these and other related topics is inadequate. Despite these limitations, considerable progress may be made regarding the management of solar UV radiation related health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, provided researchers collaborate and resources are allocated appropriately.
AlamarBlue bioassay for cellular investigation of UV-induced crystalline lens damage Olanrewaju M. Oriowo Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 2003 Purpose: The use of the alamarBlue fluorescence dye for cellular study of UV‐induced photodamage in cultured ocular lenses was examined by comparing the results from the fluorometric assay to lens optical quality using a scanning laser system to measure the focal lengths of the lenses following UVB treatment.
A fluorometric study of relative ocular lens cytosensitivity to multipurpose contact lens solutions using the resazurin assay method MO Oriowo Toxicology in vitro 20 (8), 1548-1554 , 2006 2006 Citations: 20
A study of ultraviolet radiation effects on porcine crystalline lens and development of a new assay methodology for UV cataractogenesis investigation. OM Oriowo 2001 Citations: 20
Optical radiation hazards in glassblowing and the ocular health status of glassblowers in southern Ontario. OM Oriowo 1996 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
A fluorometric study of relative ocular lens cytosensitivity to multipurpose contact lens solutions using the resazurin assay method MO Oriowo Toxicology in vitro 20 (8), 1548-1554 , 2006 2006 Citations: 20
A study of ultraviolet radiation effects on porcine crystalline lens and development of a new assay methodology for UV cataractogenesis investigation. OM Oriowo 2001 Citations: 20
Optical radiation hazards in glassblowing and the ocular health status of glassblowers in southern Ontario. OM Oriowo 1996 Citations: 1
