What are the disadvantages of UV rays?
- You can’t treat things that are going to be damaged by UV
- That includes people and animals (Where is the mucky part of an animal? ...
- UV is like light, it casts shadows that will not be treated. ...
- You can’t tell what’s been treated or for how long it was exposed.
- UV takes time to work, unpredictably longer if there’s a partial shadow.
- You always need so
Are UV rays good or bad?
You can receive good or bad benefits from UV rays depending on the time of exposure. If you’re exposed to UV rays for a long time, you may take in the bad effects. So you can choose. It depends on you.
What are the dangers of UV rays?
The Danger of UV Rays on Humans
- Burns Skin. The most common side effects of too much exposure to ultraviolet light are sunburn and redness. ...
- Shows Signs of Premature Aging. Excessive sun exposure makes your skin change, from texture to color. ...
- Increases the Risk of Skin Cancer. The main cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. ...
- Damaging Sight. ...
What are the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays?
- Exposure to UV Rays
- Moles
- Fair Skin and/or Freckling, Red and Blond Hair, Blue and Green Eyes
- Family History of Melanoma
- Previous Skin Cancer
- Weakened Immune System
- Increased Age
- Males
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)
What are the pros and cons of ultraviolet radiation?
Now, let's discover the pros and cons of UV radiation.ProsCons1. Stimulate Vitamin D production which helps to vitalize bones, muscles and immune system.1.Skin damages - Wrinkles - Loss of elasticity due to collagen destruction by the UV rays -Dark spots -Pigmentation -Skin cancer5 more rows
Can UV be good for you?
Some UV exposure is good for you because it helps our bodies make Vitamin D – which is good for keeping our bones and teeth strong and healthy. The amount of time you need in the sun to make enough Vitamin D is different for everyone.
Is UV good for your skin?
Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature aging.) These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.
Which UV rays are healthy?
UVB rays can help the skin make vitamin D3 which is important for muscle and bone health. UVB and UVA rays are both used in a form of light therapy called phototherapy. Phototherapy can benefit serious cases of: Rickets.
How does UV radiation work?
UV radiation, in the form of lasers, lamps, or a combination of these devices and topical medications that increase UV sensitivity, are sometimes used to treat patients with certain diseases who have not responded to other methods of therapy. Also known as phototherapy, this method of UV exposure is performed by a trained healthcare professional under the supervision of a dermatologist. Studies suggest that phototherapy can help treat unresponsive and severe cases of several diseases, including: 1 Rickets 2 Psoriasis 3 Eczema 4 Vitiligo
Why is UV exposure lower?
Exposure is also decreased because UV rays must travel a greater distance through ozone-rich portions of the atmosphere to reach the earth’s surface.
What are the three main types of UV radiation?
The most common form of UV radiation is sunlight, which produces three main types of UV rays: UVA. UVB. UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. While UVA and UVB rays are transmitted through the atmosphere, all UVC and some UVB rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer.
Why doesn't UVC reach Earth's surface?
UVC radiation from the sun does not reach the earth’s surface because it is blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Thus, the only way that humans can be exposed to UVC radiation is from an artificial source like a lamp or laser.
How long does UVC damage the eye?
Skin burns and eye injuries from UVC exposure usually resolve within a week with no known long-term damage. Since the penetration depth of UVC radiation is very low, the risk of skin cancer, cataracts or permanent vision loss is also thought to be very low.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
All EM radiation (also called EM energy) is made up of minute packets of energy or 'particles,' called photons , which travel in a wave-like pattern and move at the speed of light. The EM spectrum is divided into categories defined by a range of numbers. These ranges describe the activity level, or how energetic the photons are, and the size of the wavelength in each category.
How long can you be out of your eyes from UVC?
Sometimes people are unable to use their eyes for one to two days. It can occur after a very short exposure (seconds to minutes) to UVC radiation.
What skin conditions can be treated with UV radiation?
There are certain skin conditions that can be treated with UV radiation. With modern phototherapy, successful treatment of eczema, dermatitis, rickets, atopic and localized scleroderma, jaundice, psoriasis, and vitiligo is now possible. Cardiovascular and hypertension.
How much of the UV reaches the ground?
Of this 3% of UV that reaches the ground, approximately 95% is UVA and 5% is UVB. Of course, these percentages vary somewhat with cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions. Much of the UVC wavelengths are absorbed by oxygen in the upper atmosphere which then generates ozone in the ozone layer.
What wavelengths are most damaging to the eyes?
UVA radiation causes little or no immediate reaction, but at wavelengths near the start of the UVB band (315 nm), photokeratitis (a painful eye condition) and skin redness (lighter skin is more sensitive) start to occur with rapidly increasing damage as wavelengths approach 300 nm. UV in the range of 265 nm to 275 nm, in the UVC band, is the most damaging to the eyes and skin.
What is the wavelength of a shortwave UV lamp?
Shortwave UV lamps consist of fluorescent lamp tubes without a phosphor coating. UV light with peaks at 253.7 nm and 185 nm, both in the UVC band, are emitted primarily due to the mercury in the tube. However, only the 253.7 nm radiation passes through the fused quartz glass tube while the 185 nm wavelength is completely blocked. The typical efficiency of these lamps is 30% to 40% and they two to three time the UVC power of conventional fluorescent lamps.
Why is UVC used in food?
It is even used by spring water bottlers to sterilize their product. Additionally, UVC radiation is being used to kill microorganisms in the food processing industry. For example, fruit juices can be pasteurized by UVC as it flows passed a source.
How much of the sun's radiation is visible?
Our sun emits UV radiation across the 10 to 400 nm spectrum. At the edge of Earth's atmosphere sunlight consists of approximately 50% infrared (IR), 40% visible, and 10% UV light. By the time it reaches the Earth’s surface, with the sun at its highest point, the composition of the sunlight is 53% IR, 44% visible, and 3% UV. Of this 3% of UV that reaches the ground, approximately 95% is UVA and 5% is UVB. Of course, these percentages vary somewhat with cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions.
What is the wavelength of UV light?
In the electromagnetic spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is classified as having a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm. These wavelengths are shorter than those of visible light and longer than those of X-rays. There are three classifications of UV light: UVA has wavelengths between 315 and 400 nm, UVB has wavelengths between 280 and 315 nm, ...
What is UV protection?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds.
What are the side effects of UV exposure?
Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure. Some oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types.
What are the three main types of UV radiation?
UV radiation is classified into three primary types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). These groups are based on the measure of their wavelength, which is measured in nanometers (nm= 0.000000001 meters or 1×10-9 meters).
Which layer absorbs the most UVC?
Completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere. All of the UVC and most of the UVB radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, so nearly all of the ultraviolet radiation received on Earth is UVA. UVA and UVB radiation can both affect health.
How much sun exposure is needed for human health?
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and assists bone development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure 2 to 3 times a week.
Why do we need sun screen?
Sunscreen and sunglasses can be used to protect you from UV radiation.
Is indoor tanning dangerous?
Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Please visit CDC’s Radiation and Your Health website for more information. Page last reviewed: June 28, 2021.
How much UV radiation is on the ground?
Not only at noon, but all day, every day. Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation can be as high as 70 to 75 percent on the ground due to reflection and dispersion. 2 Water, for instance, reflects up to 20 percent of UV radiation, fresh snow roughly 88 percent, sand up to 25 percent and a concrete road around 12 percent. 3.
Where does UV radiation come from?
The biggest source of UV radiation on Earth comes from the sun. People usually refer to it as “UV light.” In physics terms, however, this is incorrect as it’s not light per se, but in fact radiation. While light and radiation are both made up of electromagnetic waves and are part of what’s known as the electromagnetic spectrum, where all kinds of these wavelengths are brought together, there is a difference between the two: light is something we are capable of perceiving. “Radiation” is the invisible part of the wavelength spectrum that includes infrared, X-ray, microwaves and UV rays.
Why does sunscreen cause acne?
While the exact cause is unknown, we do know that the effect of UV radiation on greasy sunscreen can cause the skin’s oil glands to become inflamed. This reaction will lead to the aforementioned symptoms.
Why is summer important?
Summer means fun in the sun! For many people, this is the best time of year. They head out to enjoy the great weather, spending time at sidewalk cafés, parks and pools. When people mention UV light, they often only talk about its damaging qualities – but we benefit from UV radiation in different ways. UV light impacts numerous metabolic processes in people, plants and animals. But our digital way of life means we’re spending more time indoors and thus don’t see the daylight all that much. So it’s even more important to step outside more often and take part in outdoor activities to make ourselves feel good and stay healthy. All the same, we should ensure that we are sufficiently protected from the sun – that applies to our skin as much as it does to our eyes. To ensure you’re fully protected, we recommend wearing either a high-quality pair of sunglasses or clear lenses with an integrated UV filter up to 400 nm. 1 That’s because UV radiation can damage our eyes in a number of ways – but there are great ways to protect ourselves, too.
What is the term for damage to the cornea caused by UV radiation?
These include conjunctivitis and photokeratitis (a.k.a. ultraviolet keratitis). These terms refer to damage to the cornea caused by strong UV radiation that you find up in the mountains. In continuous intense light, we run the risk of the eye’s lens becoming cloudy, which can lead to premature cataract.
Why is UVC used in disinfectant?
UVC radiation also destroys cells, which is why it is used in artificial disinfectant. Yet even if UV-C radiation were to cause damage, you don’t need to take any special precautions because the ozone layer absorbs it completely – even in those areas where the ozone layer has been damaged.
How sensitive are eyes to UV light?
When people think of sun protection, the first thing that springs to mind is their skin. But our eyes are also sensitive to UV radiation – not only when the sun is shining but in the shade, too. Not only at noon, but all day, every day. Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation can be as high as 70 to 75 percent on the ground due to reflection and dispersion. 2 Water, for instance, reflects up to 20 percent of UV radiation, fresh snow roughly 88 percent, sand up to 25 percent and a concrete road around 12 percent. 3
How to ensure the effectiveness of radiation?
The effectiveness of the radiation should be ensured by periodically checking with a UV meter.
Why is UV radiation different from other sterilization methods?
Purification through exposure to UV radiation is different from other kinds of sterilization modalities, because it does not always cause the death of the organism in question. In those microorganisms where UV radiation does not kill directly, it effectively modifies the genetic structure of the creature.
What wavelength of light is most effective in the treatment of pathogens?
This wavelength of UV light is much greater than the short-wave limit of solar light. Germicidal lamps capable of emitting UV light at a wavelength of 253.7 nm are most effective in the treatment of pathogens. Image credit: NuAire.
What is the wavelength of UV light?
Photochemical Background. Wavelengths between approximately 200 and 400 nanometers are occupied by the ultraviolet bandwidth. To explain it in relative terms, UV radiation is packed between the lower energy visible light and the higher energy, soft X-rays.
Which light source yielded the highest germicidal effectiveness?
Based on these experiments, researchers determined the wavelength of UV light which yielded the highest germicidal effectiveness.
Does UV radiation damage a cabinet?
However, the use of UV radiation in a biological safety cabinet presents a number of problems. It has been suggested that UV radiation increases the risk of cancer and ocular damage in researchers. The ozone generated by UV radiation can damage the materials inside the cabinet.
Can UV light be used to kill bacteria?
Following these initial hypotheses, the conclusion of a large body of experimental proof collected over the years enabled modern scientists to determine that almost all bacterial activity can be attenuated or fully eradicated by certain wavelengths of UV energy.
How does UV light affect the body?
UV light causes chemical reactions in the body. Unlike visible light, the energy from UV radiation can be absorbed by molecules in our body, causing chemical reactions. When the energy from UV radiation is absorbed by DNA, it can cause reactions that lead to genetic mutations. Some of these mutations can lead to the development of skin cancer, ...
What cancers are caused by UV light?
Some of these mutations can lead to the development of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the U.S. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma (one of the deadliest cancers) are all associated with UV light exposure. Making some vitamin D. ethermoon/Flickr, CC BY-ND.
How to reduce photoaging?
The key is to practice safe sun habits, which means using sunscreen and avoiding sunburns. This will decrease photoaging, and more importantly, your risk of skin cancer. Also, vitamin D is most effectively synthesized at UV radiation doses below those causing sunburn.
Why is sunlight important?
But we also know that sunlight is important to our health and plays a role in many biological processes in our bodies . In fact, some physicians and scientists are taking a closer look at sunlight to expose the lesser known benefits of ultraviolet (UV) light.
What is the dangerous component of sunlight?
When we are talking about the dangerous component of sunlight, we are really talking UV light . UV light is ionizing radiation, meaning that it frees electrons from atoms or molecules, causing chemical reactions. UV light is divided into three categories listed in order of increasing energy: UVA, UVB, UVC.
Is UVC harmful?
UVC is the most harmful, but the ozone layer and other components of the atmosphere filter all of it out before it reaches us. That’s also the case for a large percentage of UVB light. But nearly all UVA light reaches the Earth’s surface. Both latitude and season play large factors in our individual exposure to UV radiation.
Which country receives the least UV radiation?
Countries farthest from the equator during winter months receive the least amount of UV radiation, while equatorial countries receive the most.
What is the best way to protect yourself from sunburn?
These products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino groups in the stratum corneum to stain the skin brown. Although DHA protects against UVA [59] and UVB [60] is transient and inadequate. Therefore, other protective measures like clothing and sunscreen use are necessary for sunburn protection. People using sunless tanning products were more likely to sunburn in the past year [61]. However the temporal relationship between and the beliefs regarding sunburn and sunless tanner use deserves further study (i.e. how often sunless tanning is a protective response due to past sunburn vs. how often sunburn is due to a false sense of photoprotection ascribed to a sunless tan). DHA may temporarily increase the formation of UV radiation induced reactive oxygen species for the first 24 hours after application [62], leading to acceleration of sun induced damage. Therefore, minimization of sun and UV exposure following application of DHA is advised during the first 24 hours after application.
Do UV tanners have vitamin D?
In one study, UV tanners had twice the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as non-tanners [31], even after controlling for variations in ethnicity between the two groups [32]. However, the decreased vitamin D status of the non-tanners may be a reflection of inadequate daily recommendations, since the current RDA for vitamin D may be insufficient [26,27]. Future studies will be necessary to determine whether increased daily recommendations and intake of vitamin D would diminish the discrepancy between tanners and non-tanners.
Does UV radiation cause melanoma?
While UV radiation promotes skin malignancies like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most serious of these cancers, the association for each type of skin cancer differs [33]. Intermittent sun exposure and sunburns were positively associated with melanoma [34,35], while, chronic sun exposure was not [35]. A weak association and dose-response relationship exists between sunbed use and melanoma [36], including a doubling of the risk to develop melanoma in individuals that started using tanning beds before the age of 35 [36]. These studies may be limited by recall bias, since individuals that develop melanoma are more likely to recall a history of increased sun exposure and sunburns [34,35]. Melanoma has also been strongly associated with immigration from low to high UV radiation geographic locations during childhood [37]. This ecological study did not depend on personal recall of sun exposure and is therefore less susceptible to recall bias, but the role of childhood sunburns was not specifically addressed.
Is sun exposure good for skin cancer?
Sun exposure is beneficial in moderation, but can be harmful in excess. Sun exposure guidance should be tailored to the individual patient. Individual factors such as skin type, past history of skin cancers, and concurrent medical conditions should influence counseling practices. Tanning is primarily achieved through the overexposure of skin to UV radiation and is most prevalent among lighter skinned populations. In these populations, UV tanning may not offer any benefit over moderate sun exposure to offset elevated skin cancer and photoaging risk. Sun exposure should not be used as an alternative but as an adjunct to a diet fortified with vitamin D. Sunless tanning products may serve as a sensible, safer alternative for those who desire tanned skin. The use of sunscreens, preferably with broad coverage against UVA, UVB, and infrared radiation, are essential for tanners who have prolonged UV and sunlight exposure. However, tanners should be educated that while sunscreens prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma [68], they do not seem to reduce the risk for the development of basal cell carcinoma [68] or melanoma [69]. Therefore, prudent sun exposure is paramount.
Does sun exposure cause basal cell carcinoma?
A detailed review of case-control studies showed that cumulative sun exposure was associated with both BCCs and SCCs, whereas intermittent sun exposure was associated with only BCCs [38]. A history of sunburn increased the risk for developing both BCCs and SCCs. Childhood sunburns were associated with SCCs, whereas sunburns at any age were associated with BCCs [38]. Indoor tanning was associated with SCC but not BCCs [36].
Is sun exposure harmful to skin?
Sunlight and indoor ultraviolet (UV) induced tanning is a common behavior, especially among adolescents, young adults, and individuals with lighter skin. Excessive sun exposure is associated with several health risks including the acceleration of skin aging and the promotion of skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. However, several health benefits of UV exposure include vitamin D production and improved mood. Herein, we analyze these health risks and benefits. We further discuss pertinent issues surrounding indoor tanning, the role of sunless tanning products, and prudent sun exposure.
Does tanning help with mood?
Several health benefit claims such as improved appearance , enhanced mood , and increased vitamin D levels have been attributed to tanning. Furthermore, the Indoor Tanning Association claims that “catching some rays may lengthen your life” [5].
What are the positive and negative effects of UV radiation?
Positive and negative effects of UV. The Earth’s atmosphere. 1. blocks most of the Sun’s UV radiation. 2. from penetrating through the atmosphere. The small amount that gets through has both positive and negative effects. Rights: Anatasiya Maksimenko. Unbalanced scales.
How does UV damage the eye?
Damages eyes – Prolonged exposure to UV or high intensities of UV (for example, in sunbeds) damages the tissues of eyes and can cause a ‘burning’ of the eye surface , called ‘snow blindness’ or photokeratitis. The effects usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life. In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that even low amounts of sunlight can increase the risk of developing eye damage such as cataracts (which, left untreated, will cause blindness), pterygium and pinguecula. UV damage to the eyes is cumulative, so it is never too late to start protecting the eyes.
How long does sunburn affect the immune system?
Scientists believe that sunburn can change the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells in humans for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun.
What is the role of vitamin D in the body?
Triggers vitamin D – UV from the Sun is needed by our bodies to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones, muscles and the body’s immune system. It may also lower the risk of getting some kinds of cancers such as colon cancer.
Why do animals see in UV light?
Helps some animals’ vision – Some animals (including birds, bees and reptiles) are able to see into the near UV light to locate many ripe fruits, flowers and seeds that stand out more strongly from the background. The fruits, flowers and seeds often appear quite different from how humans see them. For example, when seen in UV light, some flowers have different line markings, which may help direct bees and birds to the nectar.
Which side of the arm shows the most sun damage?
28. on the underside of a person's arm and the top side of the same arm illustrate the effects of sun exposure on skin. Usually, the top side of the arm has had more exposure to the sun and shows greater sun damage.
Does sunlight cause blindness?
In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that even low amounts of sunlight can increase the risk of developing eye damage such as cataracts (which, left untreated, will cause blindness), pterygium and pinguecula. UV damage to the eyes is cumulative. 25.
A Brief History
What Is UV?
- In the electromagnetic spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is classified as having a wavelength from 100 nm to 400 nm. These wavelengths are shorter than those of visible light and longer than those of X-rays. There are three classifications of UV light: UVA has wavelengths between 315 and 400 nm, UVB has wavelengths between 280 and 315 nm, and UVC has wavelengths betwee…
Artificial UV Emitters
- The sun is not the only source of UV radiation. There are several manmade devices that also generate these waves. Black lights The UV generators most familiar to people are black lights (Figure 2). Typical black light lamps emit UVA waves with very little visible light. For example, fluorescent black lights use a phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube to emit UVA wav…
Health Issues
- UV radiation has an impact on human health, both beneficial and harmful. Too much exposure can be harmful while moderate exposure has beneficial effects.
Conclusion
- UV radiation has both harmful and beneficial effects on humans. With proper design, the beneficial attributes of both UVB and UVC waves can be harnessed to both protect us from infection and treat certain skin conditions. To this end, Digi-Key offers UV LEDsthat are ideal for these applications and are easier to design with than other UV sources.
What Are The Different Types of UV Radiation Rays?
Benefits
- Beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of vitamin D, a vitamin essential to human health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and assists bone development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure 2 to 3 times a week.
Risks
- Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
- Some oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types.
- Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
- Some oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types.
- UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases, if eye protection is not used.
- Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell...
to Protect Yourself from UV Radiation
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
- Consider options to protect your children.
- Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.