Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and is transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths and frequencies. This type of radiation is less powerful than X-rays but more powerful than visible light.
UV radiation is divided into three types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA has the longest wavelength and is the least harmful, but it can contribute to aging of the skin, DNA damage, and potentially skin cancer. UVB radiation, with medium wavelength, is biologically active and can cause sunburn and skin cancer. UVC radiation is the most harmful type of UV radiation, but it is completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface.
Exposure to UV radiation can have both beneficial and harmful effects on human health. On the positive side, it is responsible for the production of vitamin D in the skin. On the negative side, overexposure can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems.
Health effects[edit | edit source]
UV radiation, particularly the more harmful UVB and UVC, can cause a number of health problems. These include:
- Skin cancer: Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
- Sunburn: UVB radiation can cause sunburn, a painful redness of the skin.
- Cataracts: Over time, exposure to UV radiation can lead to cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can impair vision.
- Immune system suppression: Overexposure to UV radiation can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off disease.
Protection[edit | edit source]
There are several ways to protect oneself from the harmful effects of UV radiation. These include:
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen can block or absorb UV radiation, protecting the skin from damage.
- Clothing: Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, can block UV radiation.
- Shade: Seeking shade during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. can help to avoid overexposure to UV radiation.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Ultraviolet radiation Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
