This overview of the

We have measured visible wavelength optical properties of the ash from the 1982 El Chichón eruptions. These measurements were made on ash samples collected at three surface sites at distances between 12 and 80 km from the volcano. The most distant sample is taken as most representative of the silicate ash injected into the stratosphere. The measured optical properties are expressed as a complex refractive index n, with the aerosol absorption expressed as the imaginary component of the refractive index, nIM. Each of these samples showed quite low values of absorption, with nIM at 500 nm ranging from 1.5×10−3 for the 12 km sample to 1.0×10−3 for the 80 km sample. Based on these measurements, we estimate that n for the stratospheric silicate ash is given by n = 1.53 ‐ 0.001i.

Ultraviolet radiation absorption is responsible for the production of free radicals in damaged cells. This side effect may be neutralized using antioxidant substances. It has been reported that ascorbic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol scavenge reactive oxygen species. In a single-blind controlled clinical trial we studied 45 healthy volunteers divided into three groups. Group 1 received d-alpha-tocopherol 1,200 I.U. daily; Group 2 ascorbic acid 2 g daily and Group 3 ascorbic acid 2 g plus d-alpha-tocopherol 1,200 I.U. daily. Treatment was sustained for one week. Before and after treatment, the minimal erythema dose was determined in all participants. The results show that the median minimal erythema dose increased from 60 to 65 mJ/cm2 in Group 1 and from 50 to 70 mJ/cm2 in Group 3. No modifications were observed in Group 2. We conclude that d-alpha-tocopherol prescribed in combination with ascorbic acid produces the best photoprotective effect.

No abstract

No abstract