How can ultraviolet light harm you?

The Sun's ultraviolet (UV) light from natural sunlight as well as from artificial sources, such as tanning beds, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be harmful to humans. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVB radiation is stronger than UVA radiation, but both can cause skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. UVC radiation is the most dangerous, but it is blocked by the Earth's ozone layer, which is why we do not experience it on the ground.

Skin damage is caused by the DNA-damaging effects of UV radiation. This type of damage can lead to mutations in skin cells causing changes in how these cells function. These mutations can lead to the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Other harmful effects of UV radiation include:

- Eye damage: UV radiation can cause cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, as well as macular degeneration, which is damage to the retina.

- Immune system suppression: UV radiation can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.

- Photosensitivity: UV radiation can cause photosensitivity, which is a skin reaction that occurs after exposure to the sun or artificial UV sources.

To reduce your risk of UV damage, take the following precautions:

- Limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm.

- Wear protective clothing, including a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.

- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.

- Avoid tanning beds.

- Get regular checkups with your doctor or dermatologist.