In desert, arctic, and high altitude regions, very low temperatures are often accompanied by high winds, low humidity, very bright sun, or a combination of those conditions. Sun, wind, snow, rain, and low humidity each present environmental health threats in and of themselves. Exposure of unprotected skin and eyes to sunlight may cause sunburn and snow blindness. The threat of sunburn and snow blindness depends on the intensity of sunlight, not the air temperature. Sunburned skin will appear red, hot to the touch, possibly swollen and blistered, and will be painful.
Sunburned eyes are painful.
There is often a gritty feeling, profuse tearing, blurred vision, and headache. Cold weather is often accompanied by winds and low humidity. Wind-blown debris entering the eyes can lead to eye irritation, injury, and infection. Low humidity and wind can dry and cause chapping of the skin, increasing the sensitivity to sunburn and chaffing. Working in snow, ice, or mud is very strenuous.