Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a carcinogenic agent for which little information on human exposure is available. The intensity and the changes of solar UV exposure, which is the main source of exposure, have an impact on health but are difficult to monitor. The work of this thesis led to the creation of a tool for quantitative estimation of individual exposure to solar UV that can be used in epidemiological studies. We created an atlas of monthly average daily radiation across Europe. Some missing values from the Nordic countries during winter had to be extrapolated. We observed a strong seasonality and characteristics in the spatial distribution which does not always follow the gradient of latitude. For instance, UV radiation is higher in the southern area of the Nordic countries than in central Europe. A survey was conducted in eight European populations to estimate individual exposure. These populations have different behaviours regarding sun exposure. After a step of modeling to estimate missing values in northern Norway throughout the year, we quantified chronic and holiday exposure in three populations (France, Italy and Norway). The tool developed during this thesis will be used for future epidemiological studies that will contribute to improving the knowledge about UV exposure in populations and better understanding its role in the aetiology of various diseases, such as skin cancers.
