Relations between excretion of indole melanogen (TPM) and time of exposure to solar radiation

Introduction. In the human skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, melanogenesis occurs in two stages, accompanied by urinary excretion of Thormalen-positive melanogen (TPM). In Poland, no data are available on the course and intensity of melanogonesis in relation to UV exposure in an industrial region. Material and methods. The Thormalen test was used for the collected samples (N=136) as modified by Matous and Suchoń. Results. Maximum environmental TPM content (0.67 μg/dm3) was observed in August. Conclusion. The time of UV exposure and local type of solar radiation promote melanogenesis.