Ultraviolet rays: What are their effects on health?

The main source of vitamin D is good exposure to sunlight. However, some of this light radiation can be harmful. This is especially true of ultraviolet rays. Learn about the main effects of UV rays Various remedies on health as well as below.

Ultraviolet Radiation: What is it?

UV rays can come from the sun or natural sources Artificial resources Such as welding equipment, lasers or tanning equipment. These rays cannot be confused with infrared rays because they do not create a hot sensation on the skin.

UV rays are also not visible light, although their properties are similar. In fact, these light rays cannot replace light and therefore do not allow you to see in the dark. From a scientific point of view, UV radiation is electromagnetic rays. This explains why the effects of these rays are different depending on their type: UVC, UVB or UVA.

UVA

With a very long wavelength, UV-A is capable of penetrating the deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, prolonged exposure to this type of radiation affects the elastin structure and Collagen in the skin. It has the consequences of accelerating aging and the appearance of wrinkles.

UV-B

UV-B meanwhile has a medium wavelength because it is partially filtered by the ozone layer. Therefore, they penetrate only the surface layers of the skin. In this case, their effects are sunburn, but also high production of melamine. This latter phenomenon is commonly known as tanning.

UV-C

The wavelength of UV-C is getting smaller and smaller. However, these very harmful rays are completely filtered out Ozone layer. Therefore, they cannot reach the surface of the earth.

Factors affecting the intensity of UV rays

Various factors affect the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on the Earth’s surface. Therefore, their effects also vary depending on these factors.

Time

The intensity of UV rays varies depending on the time of day. In this way, they reach their maximum intensity between 12 noon and 1 p.m. At this point, the UV index is very strong and its effects are very aggressive.

Ozone layer

When the ozone layer becomes thinner, it does not block UV rays. As a result, the use of various pollutants promotes the reduction of the ozone layer thickness.

Weather conditions

The presence or absence of cloud cover also affects the intensity of UV rays coming to Earth. It should be noted that even dark clouds with high humidity are capable of conserving up to 80% of UV rays. It also depends on atmospheric pressure.

Effects of UV-A and UV-B on the body

Excessive exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays can have different effects on our body. The most affected parts are the skin and eyes. This ultraviolet radiation is also harmful Immune system.

Effects on the skin

UV-A and UV-B rays stimulate melanin in the surface cells of the skin. This process causes the skin to tan. The main reason for this is that UV-A penetrates deep into the skin. However, this phenomenon promotes a gradual loss of elasticity of the skin. Then wrinkles appear and premature aging of the skin can also occur. Some studies also support the possibility of promoting the appearance of UV-A Skin cancer.

Eyes

Ultraviolet rays penetrate different layers of the eye Cornea Where Crystalline. In some cases, these rays also reach the retina. This leads later Severe vision problems. Cataract is one of the effects of UV rays on the eye.

Immune system

UV rays can have detrimental effects on the immune system. They actually modify the cells that protect the body. So illnesses can easily reach you.

The right things to do to protect yourself from UV rays

By adopting some of these good habits it will be easier to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays:

• Wear long sleeves and hats to protect yourself from the sun
• Wear Sunscreen : Opaque and greasy product intended to block UVA and UVB rays
• It is also recommended to wear sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays.
• Being in the shade is also a great way to prevent the effects of UV rays on your health.

Some may be more sensitive to UV rays. This also applies to people of light complexion, children under 6 months and the elderly. It is therefore necessary to be very vigilant and not to expose these groups of people under the sun for too long.