UV-radiation and health effects: an overview of the source-effect chain, with links to weather and climate

Speaker: Arjan van Dijk, RIVM

The UV-index Action Platform (ZAP) is a knowledge platform that is run by the RIVM at the request of VWS. The purpose of this platform, in which the KNMI also participates, is to identify and maintain the knowledge base in the field of "UV radiation and health" and to ensure that the resulting advice is clearly formulated and communicated by all parties involved. An estimated 90% of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun. The annual number of diagnoses is subject to significant change, just like the climate. How are these two things linked? What's next? In this colloquium the cause-and-effect chain of health effects due to UV radiation will be followed and the development of this in the Netherlands will be zoomed in on. Where applicable, a link will be made to weather and climate.

CV: After studying theoretical physics in Utrecht, Arjan van Dijk worked as a consientious objector at the KNMI in the oceanography department. This project resulted in a PhD program at TU Delft. After about five postdoc jobs, all with an atmospheric component, he came to the RIVM on a sunlight project. He was given a permanent position because he also had knowledge of air dispersion modeling in nuclear accidents. Arjan has managed to continue working on sunlight ever since 2005, and in particular on the question: does it bother you?