Before we discuss the 9 Harmful Effects Of UV Radiation On Humans, According to Dermatologists. But firstly, we need to consider What is UV Radiation.
What is UV Radiation?
UV radiation, or bright radiation, is a kind of energy emanating from the sun and a few artificial mechanisms such as in tanning parlors. It is invisible to the naked eye and is positioned beyond the violet part of the perceivable light spectrum, therefore it is referred to as bright.
Types of UV Radiation
UV radiation, or bright radiation, acts as a type of sun energy and other lights such as tanning beds. There are three principal kinds of UV radiation: There is ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and ultraviolet C. Each type impacts the climate and our Welfare uniquely.
- UVA Radiation: UVA radiation has the longest wave frequency among the three forms. They can penetrate rather deeply into the skin and affect the inner layers. UVA rays are accountable for delaying skin maturing such as wrinkles and spots. They also play a significant role in the development of skin diseases. UVA rays are present at any time of the day when there is sun presence during sunny, cloudy, or even during winter time. UVA beams are vital to be secured from as they cause continuing skin harm; use sunscreen and ensure clothing.
- UVB Radiation: UVB rays are less in frequency as compared with UVA rays and essentially impact the outermost layers of skin. They are the main reason for burns from the sun and play a key role in the development of skin diseases. The intensity of UVB beams is higher in mid-day and in the middle of the year. They do not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays, but can still be damaging. To protect oneself from UVB rays, you need to put on sunscreen lotion with a very high SPF, wear caps and shades, and look for some cover when the sun is in its zenith.
- UVC Radiation: UVC radiation has the shortest wavelength and is considered to be the most dangerous category of UV radiation. Nevertheless, it is mostly gathered by the Earth’s atmosphere and fails to reach the surface. UVC radiation can also be artificially generated, for example, in lamps and various equipment applied in industries and medical facilities. Due to the high levels of UVB and UVC rays, it is therefore advised that the public minimize its exposure to artificial sources of UVC where needed and use protective gear at all times.
This makes it important to understand more about different types of UV rays that exist and all of them have a negative impact when it comes to our body. This is so because easily identifying various types of ultraviolet radiation such as UVA, UVB, and UVC creates appreciation in a person towards protecting the skin against damage. Last of all, always apply sunblock lotions, cover the body with protective clothing, and refrain from going under direct sun or during times of the day that are scorching hot.
Table of Contents
Sources of UV Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation or UV radiation, filters through many natural and artificial elements, respectively. It also helps them protect themselves against any unfavorable outcomes that might result from these sources.
- The Sun: Natural sources of UV radiation include the sun. It gives out UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays do not reach the surface of the earth due to their absorption by the atmosphere, whereas UVA and UVB rays do. These rays are also capable of producing sunburn, and skin aging and may also lead to skin cancer. It is good practice when outside to do so under the sun with sunscreen wearing caps and sunglasses.
- Tanning Beds: Therefore, tanning beds are classified as artificial sources of UV radiation or what is referred to as light. They mainly cause the emission of UVA rays which in this case are capable of filtering through the external layer of the skin leading to tan. Besides, the use of tanning beds exposes one to a heightened risk of contracting skin-related diseases such as skin damage, early aging, and skin cancer diseases among others. This makes tanning beds dangerous and consequently discouraged in favor of safer ways of tanning such as the self-tanning products.
- Welding Equipment: Welding torches have flames and arcs, and in the process of welding, they cause the production of ultraviolet radiations that are unfriendly to the eyes and skin. Especially welders wear helmets and other types of shielding garments that assist in protecting the skin from the detrimental influence of UV. This gear is largely important as a protection from situations that may range from photokeratitis which is similar to sunburn on the eyes and any other further negative effects that rays have on the eyes.
- Black Lights: Oh yeah there is something known as black light which is used in clubs, theaters among other places, and acids used in detecting certain substances that emit UV radiation. As compared to sun or tanning beds, the levels are less but if caught then harm can happen if one stays long. They should avoid spending a lot of time under the Black-light since doing more harm than good to the skin and eyes.
- Mercury Vapor Lamps: Among various types of lamps used in street lights, industrial lighting lamps, and certain public buildings are Mercury vapor lamps that emit UV radiation. These lamps can be used for general lighting in large rooms but the UV produced in lamps may not be healthy. There are impressive measures that have been proscribed that could in one way or another assist in reducing the impact of these lamps which include; shielding and non-exposure to the said lamps.
- UV Lamps and Bulbs: UV lamps and bulbs are used in various uses including sterilization processes, curing of a material and inspiration equipment, and aquarium light displays. These lamps emit UV radiation that can inactivate bacteria and viruses; the negative attribute is that this radiation is deadly to human skin and eyes. However, it is more advantageous to use such lamps under conditions that ensure one does not come across radiation or use the lamps in areas where precautions have been implemented to avoid exposure.
- Phototherapy Devices: Herald lamps are also used in the management of some diseases including psoriasis and neonatal jaundice. These devices emit specific predetermined amounts of UV rays into the environment –such doses as in standard measurements. It assists in treatment, but if taken without consulting the doctor, then it should not be taken since it may cause some effects.
- Solar UV Lamps: For treating water and getting rid of germs in water there are solar UV lamps that are used. These lamps also emit UV radiation that assists in eradicating dangerous bacteria. floating within the room; these bacteria are suspended in the air and are lethal. However, they emit ultraviolet radiation that is harmful to the life of man provided one is directly Irradiated by the light emitted by these lamps. For safety issues and the nonproductive utilization of equipment, the correct use cannot be avoided.
If he would like to protect himself from the effects of UV radiation then he must know where this radiation is coming from. This is why it is good to know the artificial and natural ways in which one could minimize the chance of being affected by UV health risks. When it comes to interaction with UV radiation, prevention is always the best working strategy.
The 9 Harmful Effects Of UV Radiation On Humans
Â
In the Human experience, natural and artificial kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation affect people. Regarded as the world’s life, the sun is very useful in so many ways but at the same time, it is very dangerous to bathe in it.
Sunburn: The more dangerous kind of ultraviolet radiation is UVB which may cause sunburns; this is the skin’s answer to the damage that the ultraviolet radiation does. Sunburn skin becomes erythematic, and swollen and doses behave like a burn and hot. Severe burning by the sun may further damage the human skin and this may lead to the formation of skin thickness and even the formation of blisters and the skin outer layer. Single or multiple exposure to UVB is obvious for the skin and hurdles chances of bustling skin cancer.
Premature Aging: This type of UV radiation can penetrate the dermal part of the skin and thus it is known to cause many skin ailments such as skin aging, wrinkles, fine lines, and skin spots. It is referred to as photo aging which is indeed, skin aging due to enhanced exposure to ultraviolet rays. However, when a person gets older, the skin starts contracting and, therefore, the aged skin may be compared to the texture of the products made from leather. They assert that early aging can be avoided through practices such as limiting tanning or even using protective creams such as lotions that protect one from sunburns.
Eye Damage: There is likewise some impact of UV on our eyes. It leads to conditions like cataracts which is a state where the lens of the eye becomes foggy this state gets one to this plight of vision. In addition, it produces ultraviolet rays which cause eye infections commonly known as photokeratitis ultraviolet keratitis, or sunburn on the eyes. The other technique of safeguarding the eyes involves using ornaments that shield them from the rays or glare, glasses.
Weakened Immune System: The immune system, UV radiation impacts, and if one intends to sunbathe then the immune system weakens. This puts the specific body tissues in a hard dipositive strength where they are unable to be able to fight off pathogen attack that causes infections and diseases. With the immune system deteriorating then one can easily get infections and skin-related cancers easily affecting the skin. Thus, the immune-boosting effect of sunbathing needs equal attention to be paid to underexposure to sunlight as to overexposure.
DNA Damage: UV radiation can directly interact with skin cell DNA because it inherently can fundamentally alter its structure. These damages can alter the cell DNA structure and cause skin cancer, or other related diseases affecting the body. Though it is difficult to prevent oneself from getting DNA damage it is still possible to a large extent for example by using sunscreen and other protective gear available and by avoiding exposure to direct sunlight wearing appropriate clothing and shielding with an umbrella.
Sun Allergies: Such people are bound to get affected by UV radiation, which is a sun allergy or photosensitivity. Some of the symptoms include red rashes accompanied by itching with the formation of sores-like blisters. Such reactions may sometimes cause discomfort which might make a person visit a doctor. Someone with a sun allergy can take some precautions during this time such as avoiding going out during mid of the day and putting on sunblock creams with high SPF.
Skin Cancer: It is also important to note that there are also other consequences of UV rays, and one of the most terrible ones is the cancer of the skin among people. In addition, damages the DNA of skin cells in ways that are not classified as healthy by the skin’s UVB rays. All this leads to mutation and formation of skin cancer that comprises melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Some of the things that one can do to reduce the risks include covering up the head or any part of the body that is exposed to the sun with a hat, sunscreen, or any other protective clothing on the skin.
