What do I know about UV rays?

What do I know about UV rays? Sunlight is the main source of UV rays. Unlike the sun, it cannot be felt or seen. Thus, it can be damaging without us knowing. Exposure to UV radiation leads us to diseases like skin cancer. How do UV rays affect skin? UV rays damage the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth. 3 type of UV rays UVC Rays Shortest Wavelength, most damaging type, completely filtered by atmosphere, The most damaging type UVC rays are of short wavelength. UVC does not reach the earth surface as it is completely filtered by atmosphere. UVB Rays These are of medium wavelength but do not penetrate skin layers. It causes tanning, burning, skin ageing and skin cancer. UVA Rays UVA has long wavelength that can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and cause skin ageing, wrinkling and skin cancer. Wavelength of UV rays UVA 400 nm - 320 nm UVB 320 nm - 290 nm UVC 290 nm - 100 nm Did you know? UV radiation is the best natural source of vitamin D but the small amount of UV is ben- eficial for people. It is also used to treat several diseases, including rickets, psoriasis, eczema and jaundice. Prolonged human exposure to UV radiation may result in Skin Aging Sunburn (Erythema) Photodermatoses Onited Actinic Keratoses Cataracts Photosensitivity Skin Cancer Safety measures that could prevent much of the cancer and other death and disease burden due to UV radiation. WHO has suggested some safety measures that could prevent much of the cancer and other death and disease burden due to UV radiation. Limit exposure to the sun in the midday Watch for the UV Index and plan outdoor activity accordingly Seek shade when UV rays are the most intense Wear protective clothing Wear Sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection Use sunscreen Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors Protect children from the sun Sources: http://www.who.int/uv/faq/whatisuv/en/index2.html Solar Blinds http://www.who.int/uv/sun_protection/en/ Online http://www.who.int/uv/health/en/ Brought to you by: www.solarblindsonline.co.uk The content & images created and used in the Infograph is the property of Solar Blinds Online. Please refrain from copying any part of the infograph/content or the blog without our prior permission or without proper mention of our company name. Incase the content is copied without proper attribution, this will be considered as copyright infringement.