Ultraviolet (UV) radiation overexposure is emitted by the sun and artificial sources. Humans may benefit from it in a few ways, such as via the production of vitamin D, but it also poses certain dangers to their health.
Sunlight is the primary exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, and some artificial sources of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation overexposure include beds for sunbathing, lighting based on the emission of mercury vapor (often found in stadiums and school gyms), some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights, and certain lasers.
What Are the Different Kinds of UV Radiation Rays?
Based on their wavelengths, ultraviolet radiation is divided into three main categories:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA)
- Ultraviolet B (UVB)
- Ultraviolet C (UVC)
Almost 95% of the UV light that reaches the earth is UVA. However, some UVB energy reaches the earth. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) A and B rays both have negative effects on human health, although UVA rays are more penetrating and consistent year-round.
What Are the Hazards Associated with Ultraviolet Light Overexposure
There are no apparent indications of overexposure to UV radiation, which is an unpleasant feature of this component. Usually, symptoms of overexposure, such as sunburn or photokeratitis (welder’s flash), manifest hours after exposure.
Skin Injury
Within exposed skin, UV light may begin a photochemical process known as erythema. This “sunburn” could be quite severe and appear within a matter of seconds of being exposed. For skin photosensitized by substances such as photoallergens, some meals, coal tar products, and certain drugs, the effects are amplified. UV radiation has been related to premature skin aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer with chronic exposure.
Eye Injury
The cornea, the eye’s protective outer layer, may be severely damaged by UV irradiation. Photokeratitis is an unpleasant corneal inflammation induced by UV light exposure. Among the symptoms is a sand-like feeling in the eye that may persist for up to two days. Chronic exposure to acute, high-energy UV light may result in cataract development.
How to Protect Yourself from UV Radiation?
To avoid or minimize the effects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation overexposure, consider the following precautions:
- Stay in the shade, particularly during daytime hours.
- Shoulders, knees, and ankles should be covered.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your ears, neck, and face from the heat.
- Consider methods to safeguard your children.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
- Don’t get a fake tan indoors. People who start indoor tanning in their teens or early 20s are at an increased risk of acquiring melanoma later in life.
