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Ultraviolet exposure in the Ironman triathlon
1Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Germany. matthias.moehrle@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Outdoor athletes, including triathletes, face significant ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, exceeding safe limits even with sunscreen. This highlights the need for increased awareness and protective measures against UV hazards during sports.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Dermatology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Skin cancer incidence is rising globally.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a primary environmental risk factor for skin cancer.
- Athletes participating in outdoor sports experience substantial UV exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the personal UV exposure experienced by triathletes during the Ironman World Championships.
- To assess the effectiveness of current sun protection measures in high-exposure scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Three triathletes were monitored during the 1999 Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.
- Bacillus subtilis spore film dosimeters (VioSpor) measured cumulative, biologically weighted erythemal UV exposure.
- UV exposure was recorded in minimal erythema doses (MED).
Main Results:
- Mean personal UV exposure was 8.3 MED over 8.5–9.7 hours of competition.
- UV exposure rates ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 MED per hour during the cycling and running segments.
- Athletes experienced sunburn despite using SPF 25+ water-resistant sunscreen.
Conclusions:
- Ironman triathletes significantly exceeded established professional UV exposure guidelines.
- Outdoor athletes are at high risk for excessive UV exposure.
- Recommendations include enhanced sun protection (sunscreen, clothing) and adjusted training/competition schedules.