UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage, including sunburn and skin cancer. It can also contribute to skin aging, eye damage, and cataracts. The UV Index rates the strength of UV rays and people can protect themselves by avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy or radiation emitted by the sun. Some exposure to sunlight is beneficial. For example, sunlight is a good source of vitamin D for the body. However, excessive UV exposure can be dangerous and cause a variety of problems.
One danger that can occur from UV radiation is skin damage. The skin has three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. Exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, which causes redness, burning and pain in the epidermal layer of the skin. UV rays can also penetrate the dermis, which is the deepest layer of the skin. This can cause damage to cell membranes and can lead to skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer including basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. All three types are associated with sun exposure. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers tend to be localized and are less serious than melanoma, which is the deadliest type of skin cancer.
While not life-threatening, other skin changes can be caused by UV radiation. UV light contributes to skin aging, including wrinkles and lines. It can also cause brown spots and dry skin.
The dangers of UV radiation are not limited to the skin. Too much exposure to UV light can cause a condition known as photokeratitis, which is a burn of the cornea in the eye. The condition causes pain, but usually no permanent damage. However, damage from too much UV radiation exposure is considered a risk factor for developing cataracts, which is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness.
There are ways to reduce the dangers of UV radiation. The UV Index is a rating system developed to inform the public of the intensity of UV rays on any given day in any location. The index rates the strength of UV rays on a scale of one to ten and lists how many minutes of sun exposure would cause a sunburn. Provides an estimate to help people assess how long they can safely stay in the sun. The index is published in newspapers and broadcast on many television news.
In addition to knowing the UV index, individuals can protect themselves from the dangers of UV radiation by avoiding sun exposure when the rays are strongest. This is usually between 10am and 3.30pm. Sunscreen with an SPF of XNUMX to XNUMX should be applied before going out. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can also block UV rays.
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