Harmful Effects of Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is sunlight, including the ultraviolet and infrared ends of the light spectrum that we can't see. Much of the sun's radiation is deflected by the earth's magnetic field causing the aurora borealis, and our atmosphere diffuses another significant portion. During the summer we receive more radiation because of the tilt of the Earth.

Did You Know

• You've heard of UV rays as what we try to block with sunscreen and protective sunglasses. UV stands for ultraviolet, a form of solar energy more intense than visible sunlight.

Source

• According to the NSF Polar Programs UV Monitoring Network, our sun is the most significant source of radiation we encounter.

Fact

• UV rays are strong enough to "knock electrons away from the atoms, or cause molecules to split," the UV Monitoring Network says. This causes cell damage and cell mutation.

Safety

• Solar radiation or UV rays cause skin cancer. You should always wear a sunscreen that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays.

Beauty

• Solar radiation can also cause premature aging, spots on the skin and wrinkles.

Children

• Children are more likely to get cell damage from UV rays. Many doctors believe that it's the sunlight you were exposed to as a child that causes skin cancer.