Why ultraviolet radiation is dangerous

Therefore, it poses no threat to human, animal or plant life on earth. Ultraviolet A and B, on the other hand, can penetrate the ozone layer to reach the surface of the planet. Suntans, freckling and sunburns are familiar effects of over-exposure to ultraviolet rays, along with a higher risk of skin cancer 1. In addition to the natural light from the sun, artificial light from tanning lamps contains ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B.

They generate visible light because the bulb is coated with a layer of phosphor which glows when it comes into contact with UV radiation. Although most UV radiation stays within the bulb, some can escape into the environment which can potentially be a form of UV emission too. Light-Emitting Diodes LEDs , which are commonly used now, produce a very narrow spectrum of visible light without the losses to irrelevant radiation types IR or UV associated with conventional lighting, meaning that most of the energy consumed by the light source is converted directly to white light.

The unrepaired damage builds up over time and triggers mutations that cause skin cells to multiply rapidly. That can lead to malignant tumors. The degree of damage depends on the intensity of UV rays and the length of time your skin has been exposed without protection. Location is also a factor. If you live where the sun is strong year-round, your exposure level and risk increases. You can easily reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer by taking care to protect yourself against UV radiation.

UVB facts and risks. UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of your skin. Overexposure causes suntan, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering.

UVB intensity fluctuates. UVB rays can be filtered and do not penetrate glass. UVA facts and risks. There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. UVA radiation is proven to contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Early sunscreens only protected your skin from UVB rays, but once it was understood how dangerous UVA rays were, sunscreen manufacturers began adding ingredients to protect you from both UVB and UVA across this broader spectrum. Exposure causes genetic damage to cells on the innermost part of your top layer of skin, where most skin cancers occur. The skin tries to prevent further damage by darkening, resulting in a tan. Over time, UVA also leads to premature aging and skin cancer.

UVA radiation is the main type of light used in most tanning beds. Especially in the hot summer months, it is a good idea to remain indoors during the peak sun hours of 10am and 4pm. Many people believe that you cannot get sunburned on a cloudy day; this is simply not the case. Even under cloud cover it is possible to damage your skin and eyes, and cause long-term damage. It is important that you protect yourself with sunscreen, even in cloudy weather.

Some surfaces, such as snow, sand, grass, or water can reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them. The daily UVI forecasts the amount of UV reaching your area at noon when the sun typically reaches its highest point in the sky. Many illustrations of the UVI use a system of colors to designate levels of UV exposure for a particular area on the map.

What is UV radiation? How is radiation classified on the electromagnetic spectrum? What are the different types of UV radiation? What Is UVC radiation? What are the risks of exposure to UVC radiation? What are the risks associated with using some UVC lamps? What effect does UV radiation have on my body?

Are there health benefits of exposure to UV radiation? Does where I live affect the amount of UV radiation I am exposed to? Q: What is UV Radiation? UV radiation is the portion of the EM spectrum between X-rays and visible light. UVB rays have a short wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin the epidermis UVA rays have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin the dermis Q: What is UVC Radiation? Q: What are the risks of exposure to UVC radiation?

Q: What are the risks associated with using some UVC lamps? Q: What effect does UV radiation have on my body? Sunlight is not the only source of UV radiation you may encounter.

Studies suggest that phototherapy can help treat unresponsive and severe cases of several diseases, including: Rickets Psoriasis Eczema Vitiligo Phototherapy involves exposing a patient to a carefully monitored dose of UV radiation on a regular schedule.