UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and man-made sources such as tanning beds and welding torches. The emission (sending out) of energy from any source is referred to as radiation. There are many different types of radiation, ranging from extremely high-energy (high-frequency) radiation – such as x-rays and gamma rays – to extremely low-energy (low-frequency) radiation – such as radio waves. UV rays are located in the center of this spectrum. They contain more energy than visible light but less than x-rays. UV rays can also be classified according to their energy level. Higher-energy ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of ionizing radiation. This means they have enough energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule (ionize it). Ionizing radiation can cause DNA (genes) damage in cells, which can lead to cancer. However, even the most powerful UV rays lack the energy to penetrate deeply into the body, so their main effect is on the skin.

The strength of UV rays reaching the ground is determined by a number of factors, including:

People can also be exposed to UV rays from man-made sources. These are some examples: Sunlamps and sunbeds (tanning booths and tanning beds): The amount and type of UV radiation emitted by a tanning bed (or booth) depends on the lamps used, how long a person stays in the bed, and how frequently the person uses it. The majority of modern UV tanning beds emit mostly UVA rays, with the remainder being UVB. UV therapy (phototherapy): UV light treatment can help with some skin problems, such as psoriasis. The drug accumulates in the skin, making it more sensitive to UV rays. The patient is then exposed to UVA radiation. Another treatment option is to use UVB only (without a drug). UV-ray lamps: These lamps use bulbs that emit UV rays (mostly UVA). The bulb emits visible light as well, but it has a filter that blocks most of it while allowing UV rays to pass through. These purple-colored bulbs are used to view fluorescent material. Bug-zapping insect traps also use “black light,” which emits UV rays, but the bulbs use a different filter, causing them to glow blue. Mercury-vapor lamps can be used to illuminate large public areas such as streets or gyms. If they are functioning properly, they do not expose people to UV rays. They actually consist of two bulbs: an inner bulb that emits light and UV rays, and an outer bulb that filters out the UV rays. Only if the outer bulb is broken can UV exposure occur. Some mercury-vapor lamps are programmed to turn off when the outer bulb fails. Those that lack this feature should only be installed behind a protective layer or in areas where people will not be exposed if a portion of the bulb breaks. Arc lamps with high pressure xenon and xenon-mercury, plasma torches, and welding arcs: Xenon and xenon-mercury arc lamps are used as light and UV ray sources for a variety of applications, including UV “curing” (of inks, coatings, and so on), disinfection, simulating sunlight (for testing solar panels, for example), and even in some car headlights. The majority of these, along with plasma torches and welding arcs, are primarily of concern in terms of UV exposure in the workplace.

The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV rays in sunlight. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers (the two most common types of skin cancer) are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, and their occurrence is typically linked to lifetime sun exposure. Sun exposure is also linked to the risk of melanoma, a more serious but less common type of skin cancer, though perhaps not as strongly. Exposure to some man-made UV ray sources has also been linked to skin cancer.

The World Health Organization includes the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (WHO). One of its primary goals is to discover the causes of cancer. IARC has determined that solar radiation is carcinogenic to humans, that the use of UV-emitting tanning devices is carcinogenic to humans, and that UV radiation (including UVA, UVB, and UVC) is carcinogenic to humans based on the available data. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is made up of components from various US government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following decisions have been made by the NTP: Solar radiation is known to be a human carcinogen, as is exposure to sunlamps or sunbeds. Broad-spectrum UV radiation is also known to be a human carcinogen. UVA radiation is reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen, as is UVB radiation. UVC radiation is reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen.

In addition to skin cancer, UV rays can cause the following health problems: Sunburn can be caused by UV rays from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV rays can also cause premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis. UV rays can also harm the eyes. They can inflame or burn the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). They can also cause cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) and pterygium (tissue growth on the eye’s surface), both of which can impair vision. UV rays can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. This can result in issues such as herpes reactivation caused by sun exposure or other UV ray sources. It can also reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Some people are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Some medications can also make you more sensitive to UV radiation, increasing your chances of getting sunburned. UV radiation can also aggravate certain medical conditions.

When your skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun, it naturally produces vitamin D. How much vitamin D you produce is determined by a variety of factors, including your age, skin color, and the amount of sunlight available where you live. Vitamin D has numerous health advantages. It may even help reduce the risk of certain cancers. At the moment, doctors are unsure of the optimal level of vitamin D, but much research is being conducted in this area. It is preferable to get vitamin D from your diet or supplements rather than from UV rays whenever possible. Dietary sources and vitamin supplements do not increase the risk of skin cancer and are usually more reliable ways to get the amount needed.

It’s not possible (or healthy) to avoid sunlight entirely, but there are some precautions you can take to avoid overexposure: Staying in the shade, especially during the midday hours, is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure from sunlight if you’re going to be outside. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect your skin. Protect your head, face, and neck by wearing a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin that isn’t covered by clothing.

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